AbbVie (ABBV) 10-K 21 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AbbVie Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001551152	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$64,886,944,938
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	1,588,518,764	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Earnings	'		'		'
Net sales	$18,790		$18,380		$17,444
Cost of products sold	4,581		4,508		4,639
Selling, general and administrative	5,352		4,989		5,894
Research and development	2,855		2,778		2,618
Acquired in-process research and development	338		288		673
Total operating costs and expenses	13,126		12,563		13,824
Operating earnings	5,664		5,817		3,620
Interest expense (income), net	278		84		-20
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)	55		17		-30
Other (income) expense, net	-1		-9		2
Earnings before income tax expense	5,332		5,725		3,668
Income tax expense	1,204		450		235
Net earnings	$4,128		$5,275		$3,433
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$2.58		$3.35		$2.18
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$2.56		$3.35		$2.18
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$2	[1]	'		'
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	1,589	[2]	1,577	[2]	1,577	[2]
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	1,604	[2]	1,577	[2]	1,577	[2]
[1]	On January 4, 2013, the board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per share of common stock. This dividend was declared from pre-separation earnings and was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. In addition, AbbVie declared regular quarterly cash dividends in 2013 aggregating $1.60 per share of common stock. Refer to Note 11 for information regarding cash dividends declared in 2013.
[2]	On January 1, 2013, Abbott Laboratories distributed 1,577 million shares of AbbVie common stock. For periods prior to the separation, the weighted-average basic and diluted shares outstanding was based on the number of shares of AbbVie common stock outstanding on the distribution date. Refer to Note 4 for information regarding the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear1

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Parenthetical) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 02, 2013
	Abbott Laboratories
	AbbVie common stock
Common stock, shares distributed	1,577

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Net earnings	$4,128	$5,275	$3,433
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) adjustments, net of tax expense of $71 in 2013	48	173	-295
Pension and post-employment benefits, net of tax expense (benefit) of $309 in 2013, $(24) in 2012 and $(12) in 2011	598	-150	-7
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $- in 2013, $(15) in 2012 and $10 in 2011	1	-25	17
Hedging activities, net of tax (benefit) of $- in 2013, $(8) in 2012 and $(8) in 2011	-77	-27	-28
Other comprehensive income (loss)	570	-29	-313
Comprehensive income	$4,698	$5,246	$3,120

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), tax	$71	'	'
Pension and post-employee benefits, tax (benefit)	309	-24	-12
Unrealized (gains) losses on marketable equity securities, tax (benefits)	0	-15	10
Hedging activities, taxes	$0	($8)	($8)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and equivalents	$9,595	$5,901
Short-term investments	300	2,075
Accounts and other receivables, net	3,854	4,298
Inventories, net	1,150	1,091
Income tax receivable	949	'
Deferred income taxes	766	669
Prepaid expenses and other	1,234	1,320
Total current assets	17,848	15,354
Investments	118	119
Property and equipment, net	2,298	2,247
Intangible assets, net of amortization	1,890	2,323
Goodwill	6,277	6,130
Other assets	767	835
Total assets	29,198	27,008
Current liabilities	'	'
Short-term borrowings	413	1,020
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	18	22
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	6,448	5,734
Total current liabilities	6,879	6,776
Long-term liabilities	3,535	2,239
Long-term debt and lease obligations	14,292	14,630
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity	'	'
Net parent company investment in AbbVie Inc., prior to separation	'	3,713
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 4,000,000,000 shares, issued 1,594,260,996 shares in 2013	16	'
Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 6,900,434 shares in 2013	-320	'
Additional paid-in-capital	3,671	'
Retained earnings	1,567	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-442	-350
Total stockholders' equity	4,492	-350
Total equity	4,492	3,363
Total liabilities and equity	$29,198	$27,008

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	4,000,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	1,594,260,996
Common stock held in treasury, at cost (in shares)	6,900,434

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Treasury stock	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive Income (loss)	Retained earnings	Net parent company investment
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$15,703	'	'	'	$288	'	$15,415
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	3,433	'	'	'	'	'	3,433
Net transactions with Abbott Laboratories	-6,891	'	'	'	'	'	-6,891
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-313	'	'	'	-313	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	11,932	'	'	'	-25	'	11,957
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Separation-related adjustments	-296	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	5,275	'	'	'	'	'	5,275
Net transactions with Abbott Laboratories	-13,519	'	'	'	'	'	-13,519
Assumption of accumulated unrealized losses on pension and other post-employment benefits, net of tax benefit of $36	-296	'	'	'	-296	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-29	'	'	'	-29	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	3,363	'	'	'	-350	'	3,713
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Separation-related adjustments	-1,271	'	'	-1,316	-662	'	707
Reclassification of parent company net investment in connection with separation	'	'	'	4,420	'	'	-4,420
Issuance of common stock at separation	'	16	'	-16	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock at separation (in shares)	'	1,577	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	4,128	'	'	'	'	4,128	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	570	'	'	'	570	'	'
Dividends declared	-2,561	'	'	'	'	-2,561	'
Share repurchases	-223	'	-223	'	'	'	'
Share repurchases (in shares)	-4	-4	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation plans, net of tax benefits of $(38), and other	486	'	-97	583	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation plans, net of tax benefits of $(38), and other	'	14	'	'	'	'	'
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	1,587	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$4,492	$16	($320)	$3,671	($442)	$1,567	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Equity	'	'
Assumption of accumulated unrealized loss on pension and other post-employment benefits, tax benefit	'	$36
Stock-based compensation plans and other, taxes	($38)	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net earnings	$4,128	$5,275	$3,433
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	388	525	508
Amortization of intangible assets	509	625	764
Stock-based compensation	212	187	163
Acquired in-process research and development	338	288	673
Other, net	34	66	'
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts and other receivables	681	223	-498
Inventories	-56	-203	-87
Prepaid expenses and other assets	459	90	-206
Accounts payable and other liabilities	-426	-731	1,497
Cash flows from operating activities	6,267	6,345	6,247
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Acquisitions and investments, net of cash acquired	-405	-688	-273
Acquisitions of property and equipment	-491	-333	-356
Release of restricted funds	'	'	1,870
Purchases of investment securities	-930	-2,550	-1,943
Sales and maturities of investment securities	2,705	1,153	1,255
Cash flows from investing activities	879	-2,418	553
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Net change in short-term borrowings	-601	1,000	'
Dividends paid	-2,555	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	-320	'	'
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	347	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	'	14,586	'
Net transactions with Abbott Laboratories, excluding noncash items	-247	-13,504	-6,762
Other, net	-66	-151	-21
Cash flows from financing activities	-3,442	1,931	-6,783
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	-10	16	'
Net increase in cash and equivalents	3,694	5,874	17
Cash and equivalents, beginning of year	5,901	27	10
Cash and equivalents, end of year	9,595	5,901	27
Other supplemental information	'	'	'
Interest paid, net of portion capitalized	283	61	'
Income taxes paid	$1,305	'	'

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen

Background and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Background and Basis of Presentation	'
Background and Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1  Background and Basis of Presentation
	Background
	The principal business of AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie or the company) is the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a broad line of proprietary pharmaceutical products. Substantially all of AbbVie's sales in the United States (U.S.) are to three wholesalers. Outside the U.S., products are sold primarily to health care providers or through distributors, depending on the market served.
	On January 1, 2013, AbbVie became an independent, publicly-traded company as a result of the distribution by Abbott Laboratories (Abbott) of 100 percent of the outstanding common stock of AbbVie to Abbott's shareholders (the separation). AbbVie was incorporated in Delaware on April 10, 2012. Abbott's Board of Directors approved the distribution of its shares of AbbVie on November 28, 2012. AbbVie's registration statement on Form 10 was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 2012. On January 1, 2013, Abbott's shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 12, 2012, received one share of AbbVie common stock for every one share of Abbott common stock held as of the record date. AbbVie's common stock began trading "regular-way" under the ticker symbol "ABBV" on the New York Stock Exchange on January 2, 2013.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, separation-related adjustments totaling $1.3 billion were recorded in stockholders' equity. Separation-related adjustments to additional paid-in capital principally reflected dividends to AbbVie shareholders that were declared from pre-separation earnings during the first quarter and the transfer of certain pension plan liabilities and assets from Abbott to AbbVie upon the legal split of those plans in 2013. In addition, because the historical financial statements were derived from Abbott's records, separation-related adjustments also included an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss to reflect the appropriate opening balances associated with currency translation adjustments related to AbbVie's legal entities at the separation date. Refer to Note 10 for further information regarding the separation of the pension plans.
	In connection with the separation, AbbVie and Abbott entered into transition services agreements covering certain corporate support and back office services that AbbVie has historically received from Abbott. Such services include information technology, accounts payable, payroll, receivables collection, treasury and other financial functions, as well as order entry, warehousing, engineering support, quality assurance support and other administrative services. These agreements facilitate the separation by allowing AbbVie to operate independently prior to establishing stand-alone back office functions across its organization. Transition services may be provided for up to 24 months, with an option for a one-year extension.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, AbbVie incurred $254 million and $288 million, respectively, of separation-related expenses, including legal, information technology and regulatory fees, which were principally classified in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A).
	Basis of Historical Presentation
	For a certain portion of AbbVie's operations, the legal transfer of AbbVie's assets (net of liabilities) did not occur with the separation of AbbVie on January 1, 2013 due to the time required to transfer marketing authorizations and satisfy other regulatory requirements in certain countries. Under the terms of the separation agreement with Abbott, AbbVie is responsible for the business activities conducted by Abbott on its behalf, and is subject to the risks and entitled to the benefits generated by these operations and assets. As a result, the related assets and liabilities and results of operations have been reported in AbbVie's consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013. Net sales related to these operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled approximately $738 million. At December 31, 2013, the assets and liabilities consisted primarily of accounts receivable of $62 million, inventories of $190 million, other assets of $93 million and accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $212 million. The majority of these operations are expected to be transferred to AbbVie by the end of 2014.
	Prior to the separation on January 1, 2013, the historical financial statements of AbbVie were prepared on a stand-alone basis and were derived from Abbott's consolidated financial statements and accounting records as if the former research-based pharmaceutical business of Abbott had been part of AbbVie for all periods presented. Accordingly, AbbVie's financial statements for periods prior to January 1, 2013 are presented herein on a combined basis and reflect AbbVie's financial position, results of operations and cash flows as its business was operated as part of Abbott prior to the separation, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
	The historical combined financial statements included the allocation of certain assets and liabilities that were historically held at the Abbott corporate level but which were specifically identifiable or allocable to AbbVie. Prior to 2012, cash and equivalents, short-term investments and restricted funds held by Abbott were not allocated to AbbVie unless those assets were held by an entity that was transferred to AbbVie. As of December 31, 2012, AbbVie's combined balance sheet reflected the direct holdings of AbbVie legal entities. Prior to November 2012, long-term debt and short-term borrowings were not allocated to AbbVie as none of the debt recorded by Abbott was directly attributable to or guaranteed by AbbVie. In November 2012, AbbVie issued $14.7 billion of long-term debt with maturities ranging from three to 30 years and $1.0 billion of commercial paper, which was reflected on AbbVie's combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. All AbbVie intracompany transactions and accounts were eliminated. Prior to 2012, all intercompany transactions between AbbVie and Abbott were considered to be effectively settled in the historical combined financial statements at the time the transactions were recorded. As a result, the total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions was reflected in the combined statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 as a financing activity and in the combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 as net parent company investment in AbbVie. As of December 31, 2012, outstanding transactions between AbbVie and Abbott were reflected in the combined balance sheet outside of net parent company investment in AbbVie Inc. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the aggregate amount due from Abbott totaled $738 million and $696 million, respectively, and was classified in accounts and other receivables, net. The aggregate amount due to Abbott totaled $876 million and $923 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was classified in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
	Prior to the separation on January 1, 2013, Abbott provided AbbVie certain services, which included administration of treasury, payroll, employee compensation and benefits, travel and meeting services, public and investor relations, real estate services, internal audit, telecommunications, information technology, corporate income tax and selected legal services. Some of these services continue to be provided to AbbVie on a temporary basis after the separation pursuant to certain transition services agreements. AbbVie's historical combined financial statements reflect an allocation of expenses related to these services. These expenses were allocated to AbbVie based on direct usage or benefit where identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis of revenues, headcount, square footage, number of transactions or other measures. AbbVie considers the expense allocation methodology and results to be reasonable for all periods presented. However, the allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses that would have been incurred had AbbVie operated as an independent, publicly-traded company for the periods presented. These allocations totaled $838 million and $801 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	Prior to the separation on January 1, 2013, AbbVie employees participated in various benefits and stock-based compensation programs maintained by Abbott. A portion of the cost of those programs was included in AbbVie's historical combined financial statements. However, AbbVie's historical combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 does not include any equity related to stock-based compensation plans. See Note 10 and Note 11 for a further description of the accounting for post-employment benefits and stock-based compensation, respectively.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 2  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates
	The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and necessarily include amounts based on estimates and assumptions by management. Actual results could differ from those amounts. Significant estimates include amounts for sales rebates, pension and post-employment benefits, income taxes, litigation, valuation of intangible assets and goodwill, financial instruments, and inventory and accounts receivable exposures.
	Basis of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 include the accounts of AbbVie and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. Controlling interest is determined by majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third-party participating rights or, in the case of variable interest entities, by majority exposure to expected losses, residual returns or both. Investments in companies over which AbbVie has a significant influence but not a controlling interest are accounted for using the equity method with AbbVie's share of earnings or losses reported in other (income) expense, net. All other investments are generally accounted for using the cost method. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior period combined financial statements to the current period presentation.
	Revenue Recognition
	AbbVie recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured. Revenue from product sales is recognized when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Provisions for discounts, rebates and sales incentives to customers and returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period the related sales are recorded. Sales incentives to customers are not material. Historical data is readily available and reliable, and is used for estimating the amount of the reduction in gross sales. Revenue from the launch of a new product, from an improved version of an existing product, or for shipments in excess of a customer's normal requirements are recorded when the conditions noted above are met. In those situations, management records a returns reserve for such revenue, if necessary. Sales of product rights for marketable products are recorded as revenue upon disposition of the rights.
	Research and Development Costs
	Internal research and development (R&D) costs are expensed as incurred. Clinical trial costs incurred by third parties are expensed as the contracted work is performed. Where contingent milestone payments are due to third parties under research and development collaborations for pre-commercialization milestones, the milestone payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are achieved or are probable. Payments made to third parties subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized and amortized over the remaining useful life of the related product. Amounts capitalized for such payments are included in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization.
	Collaborations and Other Arrangements
	The company enters into collaborative agreements with third parties to develop and commercialize drug candidates. Collaborative activities may include joint research and development and commercialization of new products. AbbVie generally receives certain licensing rights under these arrangements. These collaborations often require upfront payments and may include additional milestone, research and development cost sharing, royalty or profit share payments, contingent upon the occurrence of certain future events linked to the success of the asset in development and commercialization. Upfront payments associated with collaborative arrangements during the development stage are expensed to acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D). Subsequent payments made to the partner for the achievement of milestones during the development stage are expensed to R&D when the milestone is achieved. Milestone payments made to the partner subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized as intangible assets and amortized to cost of products sold over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Royalty and sales based milestones are expensed as cost of products sold when incurred.
	Advertising
	Costs associated with advertising are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A). Advertising expenses were $626 million, $506 million and $375 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Pension and Post-Employment Benefits
	AbbVie records annual expenses relating to its defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans based on calculations which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed asset rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. AbbVie reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends. Actuarial losses and gains are amortized over the remaining service attribution periods of the employees under the corridor method, in accordance with the rules for accounting for post-employment benefits. Differences between the expected long-term return on plan assets and the actual annual return are amortized to net period benefit cost over a five-year period.
	Prior to separation, AbbVie employees participated in certain defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans sponsored by Abbott, which included participants of Abbott's other businesses. Such plans were accounted for as multiemployer plans in AbbVie's historical combined financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. As a result, no asset or liability was recorded by AbbVie in the historical combined balance sheets to recognize the funded status of these plans. In 2013, subsequent to the separation from Abbott, AbbVie's portion of the defined benefit pension plans were separated from the Abbott defined benefit pension plans using a December 31, 2012 measurement date. As a result, the funded status for each plan is reflected in AbbVie's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. In addition to participation in defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans sponsored by Abbott, AbbVie is the sole sponsor for certain defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans. The funded status of these plans was recorded in AbbVie's combined balance sheet at December 31, 2012 and the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013.
	Refer to Note 10 for information regarding AbbVie's pension and post-employment plans.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Provisions for federal, state and foreign income taxes are calculated on reported pretax earnings based on current tax laws. Deferred taxes are provided using enacted tax rates on the future tax consequences of temporary differences, which are the differences between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and the tax benefits of carryforwards. A valuation allowance is established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	In AbbVie's financial statements for periods prior to 2013, income tax expense and tax balances were calculated as if AbbVie was a separate taxpayer, although AbbVie's operations were historically included in tax returns filed by Abbott. After separation, AbbVie's income tax expense and income tax balances represent AbbVie's federal, state and foreign income taxes as an independent company. As a result, its effective tax rate and income tax balances are not necessarily comparable to those for periods prior to the separation.
	Prior to the separation, AbbVie did not maintain an income taxes payable to/from account with Abbott. With the exception of certain entities outside the United States that transferred to AbbVie at separation, AbbVie is deemed to have settled current tax balances with the Abbott tax paying entities in the respective jurisdictions. These settlements were reflected as changes in net parent company investment.
	Cash and Equivalents
	Cash and equivalents include time deposits and money market funds with original maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less.
	Investments
	Short-term investments consist primarily of time deposits and U.S. Treasury securities. Investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value with any unrealized holding gains or losses, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in equity securities that are not traded on public stock exchanges and held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded at cost.
	AbbVie reviews the carrying value of investments each quarter to determine whether an other than temporary decline in fair value exists. AbbVie considers factors affecting the investee, factors affecting the industry the investee operates in and general equity market trends. The company considers the length of time an investment's fair value has been below cost and the near-term prospects for recovery. When AbbVie determines that an other than temporary decline has occurred, the cost basis investment is written down with a charge to other (income) expense and the available-for-sale securities' unrealized loss is recognized as a charge to income and removed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI).
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are stated at their net realizable value. The allowance against gross accounts receivable reflects the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the receivables portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other currently available information. Accounts receivable are written off after all reasonable means to collect the full amount (including litigation, where appropriate) have been exhausted. The allowance was $88 million at December 31, 2013 and $83 million at December 31, 2012. The increase in 2013 was due to a higher level of past due receivables.
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Cost includes material and conversion costs. Inventories, net, consist of the following.
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Finished goods	$	485		$	547
	Work-in-process		404			286
	Materials		261			258
	Inventories, net	$	1,150		$	1,091
	Property and Equipment
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Land	$	50		$	48
	Buildings		1,263			1,324
	Equipment		5,214			4,865
	Construction in progress		382			305
	Property and equipment, gross		6,909			6,542
	Less accumulated depreciation		(4,611	)		(4,295	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	2,298		$	2,247
	Depreciation for property and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful life for buildings ranges from 10 to 50 years and five to 20 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related facility lease (including any renewal periods, if appropriate) or the asset, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $388 million, $525 million and $508 million, respectively. Equipment includes certain computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. Assets under capital leases included in property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets are not material.
	Litigation
	Loss contingency provisions are recorded for probable losses when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing information. When a best estimate cannot be made, the minimum loss contingency amount in a probable range is recorded. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.
	Product Liability
	AbbVie accrues for product liability claims, on an undiscounted basis, when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing information. The liabilities are adjusted quarterly as additional information becomes available. Receivables for insurance recoveries, if any, for product liability claims are recorded as assets, on an undiscounted basis, when it is probable that a recovery will be realized.
	Business Combinations
	Results of operations of acquired companies are included in AbbVie's results of operations beginning on the respective acquisition dates. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. Any excess of the fair value consideration transferred over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized at the estimated fair value on the acquisition date, which is determined by utilizing a probability weighted discounted cash flow model. Subsequent changes to the fair value of contingent payments are recognized in other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in certain cases may be subject to revision based on the final determination of fair value. Legal costs, due diligence costs, business valuation costs and all other business acquisition costs are expensed when incurred.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value using a discounted cash flow model. The discounted cash flow model requires assumptions about the timing and amount of future net cash flows, risk, the cost of capital, and terminal values of market participants. Definite-lived intangibles are amortized over their estimated useful lives. AbbVie reviews the recoverability of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. AbbVie first compares the projected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset to its carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows of an intangible asset are less than the carrying value of an intangible asset, the intangible asset is written down to its fair value, which is usually the discounted cash flow amount and a loss is recorded equal to the excess of the asset's net carrying value over its fair value. Where cash flows cannot be identified for an individual asset, the review is applied at the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived assets are not amortized but are subject to an impairment review annually and more frequently when indicators of impairment exist. An impairment of goodwill would occur if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of that reporting unit, calculated using a weighting of the income approach and the market approach. The fair value under the income approach is calculated as the present value of estimated cash flows discounted using a risk-free market rate adjusted for a market participant's view of similar companies and perceived risks in cash flows. The fair value under the market approach is calculated using market multiples for peer groups applied to the operating results of the reporting unit to determine fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is then determined by subtracting the fair value of all identifiable net assets other than goodwill from the fair value of the reporting unit, with an impairment charge recorded for the excess, if any, of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value. Based on the company's most recent annual impairment test performed in the third quarter of 2013, the fair value of AbbVie's single reporting unit was substantially in excess of its carrying value.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which consist of capitalized IPR&D, are tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of each intangible asset with its carrying value. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is based on the present value of projected cash flows using an income approach. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the intangible asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value.
	Acquired In-Process Research and Development
	The initial costs of rights to IPR&D projects acquired in an asset acquisition are expensed as IPR&D unless the project has an alternative future use. These costs include initial payments incurred prior to regulatory approval in connection with research and development collaboration agreements that provide rights to develop, manufacture, market and/or sell pharmaceutical products. The fair value of IPR&D projects acquired in a business combination are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets until the underlying project receives regulatory approval, at which point the intangible asset will be accounted for as a definite-lived intangible asset, or discontinuation, at which point the intangible asset will be written off. Development costs incurred after the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Indefinite- and definite-lived assets are subject to impairment reviews as discussed previously.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Foreign subsidiary earnings are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates. The net assets of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period end exchange rates. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI). The net assets of subsidiaries in highly inflationary economies are remeasured as if the functional currency were the reporting currency. The remeasurement is recognized in earnings and is immaterial for all years presented.
	Derivatives
	All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value in AbbVie's balance sheets and are classified as current or long-term based on the scheduled maturity of the instrument. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been formally designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship under the applicable accounting standards and, further, on the type of hedging relationship.
	For derivatives formally designated as hedges, the company assesses at inception and quarterly thereafter, whether the hedging derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. The changes in fair value of a derivative designated as a fair value hedge and of the hedged item attributable to the hedge risk are recognized in earnings immediately. Fair value hedges are used to hedge the interest rate risk associated with certain of the company's fixed-rate debt. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge are reported in AOCI and are subsequently recognized in earnings consistent with the underlying hedged item. Cash flow hedges are used to manage exposures from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
The derivatives that are not designated and do not qualify as hedges are adjusted to fair value through current earnings. If it is determined that a derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge, the company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. Gains or losses are immediately reclassified from AOCI to earnings relating to hedged forecasted transactions that are no longer probable of occurring. Gains or losses relating to terminations of effective cash flow hedges in which the forecasted transactions are still probable of occurring are deferred and recognized consistent with the income or loss recognition of the underlying hedged items. Terminations of a fair value hedge result in fair value adjustments to the hedged items until the date of termination with the new bases being accreted to par value on the date of maturity.
Derivatives, including those that are not designated as a hedge, are principally classified in the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows, consistent with the underlying hedged item.
Refer to Note 9 for information regarding AbbVie's derivative and hedging activities.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa

Supplemental Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Financial Information	'
Supplemental Financial Information	'
	Note 3  Supplemental Financial Information
	Interest Expense (Income), Net
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Interest expense	$	299		$	104		$	—
	Interest and dividend income		(21	)		(20	)		(20	)
	Interest expense (income), net	$	278		$	84		$	(20	)
	Other (Income) Expense, Net
	Other (income) expense, net, included expenses of $11 million in 2013, $29 million in 2012 and $56 million in 2011 of fair value adjustments to the contingent consideration related to an acquisition of a business in 2010. Other (income) expense, net, for 2013, 2012 and 2011 also included ongoing contractual payments associated with the conclusion of a preexisting joint venture arrangement dissolved in 2008. Other (income) expense, net, for 2012 included income of $21 million from the resolution of a contractual agreement and a loss of $52 million for the impairment of an equity security.
	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Sales rebates	$	1,401		$	1,616
	Accounts payable		933			556
	Due to Abbott Laboratories		876			923
	Dividends payable		643			—
	Salaries, wages and commissions		621			523
	Royalty license arrangements		443			398
	Other		1,531			1,718
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	6,448		$	5,734
	Long-Term Liabilities
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Deferred income taxes	$	570		$	360
	Pension and other post-employment benefits		1,628			979
	Other		1,337			900
	Long-term liabilities	$	3,535		$	2,239

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 4  Earnings Per Share
	For periods subsequent to the separation, AbbVie calculated basic earnings per share (EPS) pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. In addition, participating securities may include certain performance-based awards that may otherwise have been excluded from the calculation of EPS under the treasury-stock method. AbbVie's forfeitable restricted stock units (RSUs) and restricted stock awards (RSAs), including most performance-based awards, participate in dividends on the same basis as common shares and such dividends are nonforfeitable to the holder once declared. As a result, these forfeitable RSUs and RSAs meet the definition of a participating security.
	The dilutive effect of participating securities is calculated using the more dilutive of the treasury stock or the two-class method. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the two-class method was more dilutive. As such, the dilutive effect of outstanding RSUs and RSAs for the year ended December 31, 2013 of approximately 5 million was excluded from the denominator for the calculation of diluted EPS. These awards otherwise would have been included in the calculation of EPS under the treasury stock method. Additionally, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) allocable to participating securities, including performance-based awards not otherwise included in the calculation of EPS under the treasury-stock method, was excluded from the numerator for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method. Earnings allocable to participating securities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $26 million.
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, approximately 1 million common shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the computation of earnings per common share assuming dilution because the effect would have been antidilutive.
	For periods prior to the separation, the numerator for both basic and diluted EPS was net earnings attributable to AbbVie. The denominator for basic and diluted EPS was calculated using the 1,577 million AbbVie common shares outstanding immediately following the separation. The same number of shares was used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share since no AbbVie equity awards were outstanding prior to the separation.

Acquisitions_Collaborations_an

Acquisitions, Collaborations and Other Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions, Collaborations and Other Arrangements	'
Acquisitions, Collaborations and Other Arrangements	'
	Note 5  Acquisitions, Collaborations and Other Arrangements
	In 2013, 2012 and 2011, cash outflows related to collaborations, the acquisition of product rights and other arrangements totaled $405 million, $688 million and $273 million, respectively. AbbVie recorded IPR&D charges of $338 million, $288 million and $673 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Significant arrangements impacting 2013, 2012 and 2011, some of which require contingent milestone payments, include the following:
	Collaborations and Other Arrangements
	Ablynx NV
	In September 2013, AbbVie entered into a global collaboration agreement with Ablynx NV to develop and commercialize the anti-IL-6R Nanobody, ALX-0061, to treat inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, resulting in a charge to IPR&D of $175 million. Upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones, AbbVie could make additional payments of up to $665 million, as well as royalties on net sales.
	Galapagos NV
	In September 2013, AbbVie recorded a charge to IPR&D of $45 million as a result of entering into a global collaboration with Galapagos NV (Galapagos) to discover, develop and commercialize cystic fibrosis therapies. Upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones, AbbVie could make additional payments of up to $360 million, as well as royalties on net sales.
	In February 2012, AbbVie recorded a charge to IPR&D of $150 million as a result of entering into a global collaboration with Galapagos to develop and commercialize a next-generation, oral Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor in Phase II development with the potential to treat multiple autoimmune diseases. Additional payments of approximately $1.3 billion could be required for the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones under this agreement.
	Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
	In May 2013, AbbVie entered into a global collaboration with Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop ALV003, a novel oral treatment for patients with celiac disease. As part of the agreement, AbbVie made an initial upfront payment of $70 million, which was expensed to IPR&D in the second quarter of 2013. AbbVie could make additional payments totaling up to $275 million pursuant to this arrangement.
	In addition to the collaborations described above, in 2013, AbbVie entered several other arrangements resulting in charges to IPR&D of $48 million and upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones, could make additional payments of up to $894 million. It is not possible to predict with reasonable certainty whether these milestones will be achieved or the timing for achievement.
	Action Pharma A/S
	In May 2012, AbbVie recorded a charge to IPR&D of $110 million as a result of the acquisition of ABT-719 (previously referred to as AP214), a drug under development for the prevention of acute kidney injury associated with major cardiac surgery in patients at increased risk.
	Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
	In the fourth quarter of 2011, AbbVie entered into a collaboration with Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Reata) for the joint development and commercialization of second-generation oral antioxidant inflammation modulators resulting in a charge to IPR&D of $400 million, which was paid in the first quarter of 2012.
	Pursuant to a series of transactions with Reata in 2010, AbbVie acquired licensing rights outside the United States, excluding certain Asian markets, to bardoxolone methyl. In addition, AbbVie acquired equity interests in Reata of $62 million each in 2010 and 2011. The achievement of certain development milestones under the license agreement resulted in charges of $50 million in 2012 to R&D and $188 million in 2011 to IPR&D. On October 17, 2012, Reata informed AbbVie that it was discontinuing a Phase III clinical study for bardoxolone methyl for chronic kidney disease. As a result, AbbVie recorded an impairment charge of $52 million related to AbbVie's equity investment in Reata. The charge was classified in in other (income) expense, net in the combined statement of earnings for 2012. Reata and AbbVie continue to evaluate the development of bardoxolone methyl in other indications.
	Biotest AG
	In June 2011, AbbVie entered into a global agreement with Biotest AG to develop and commercialize an anit-CD4, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, resulting in an $85 million charge to IPR&D. AbbVie could, in the future, be required to make additional payments totaling up to $395 million based on the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones under this agreement.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Note 6  Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The following table summarizes changes in the carrying amount of AbbVie's goodwill.
	(in millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	6,100
	Currency translation and other adjustments		30
	Balance at December 31, 2012		6,130
	Additions		25
	Currency translation and other adjustments		122
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,277
	Goodwill additions in 2013 related to product rights acquired during the second quarter. As of December 31, 2013, there were no accumulated goodwill impairment losses. Future impairment tests for goodwill will be performed annually in the third quarter, or earlier if indicators of impairment exist.
	Intangible Assets, Net
	The following table summarizes AbbVie's intangible assets.
		December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
	(in millions)	Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		carrying		amortization			carrying		carrying		amortization			carrying
		amount					amount		amount					amount
	Definite-lived intangible assets
	Developed product rights	$	4,744	$	(3,503	)	$	1,241	$	4,699	$	(3,031	)	$	1,668
	License agreements		994		(792	)		202		969		(734	)		235
	Total definite-lived intangible assets		5,738		(4,295	)		1,443		5,668		(3,765	)		1,903
	Indefinite-lived research and development		447		—			447		420		—			420
	Total intangible assets	$	6,185	$	(4,295	)	$	1,890	$	6,088	$	(3,765	)	$	2,323
	Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range between 3 to 16 years with an average of 9 years for both developed product rights and license agreements. Additions related to the acquisition of amortizable intangible assets in the second quarter of 2013 with an average amortization period of 5 years.
	Amortization expense for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $509 million, $625 million and $764 million, respectively, and is included in cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of earnings. At December 31, 2013, the anticipated annual amortization expense for intangible assets recorded as of December 31, 2013 was $352 million in 2014, $279 million in 2015, $137 million in 2016, $131 million in 2017 and $115 million in 2018.
	The indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2012 relate to IPR&D acquired in a business combination. Additions related to the acquisition of IPR&D in the second quarter of 2013. In 2012 and 2011, AbbVie recorded impairment charges of $13 million and $46 million, respectively, for certain projects under development. These charges are included in R&D expenses. In 2013, no material impairment charges were recorded.

Restructuring_Plans

Restructuring Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Plans	'
Restructuring Plans	'
	Note 7  Restructuring Plans
	In 2013, AbbVie management approved plans to restructure certain commercial operations in conjunction with the loss and expected loss of exclusivity of certain products. Restructuring charges recorded in 2013 were $83 million and were primarily recorded in SG&A and cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of earnings with the remainder recorded in R&D. Included in the charges were cash costs of $76 million which mainly related to employee severance and contractual obligations.
	In 2012, AbbVie management approved plans to realign its worldwide manufacturing operations and selected domestic and international commercial and R&D operations in order to reduce costs. In 2012, AbbVie incurred restructuring charges of approximately $191 million for employee severance and contractual obligations, primarily related to the exit from an R&D facility with $183 million recorded within R&D and $8 million within SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. In 2011, AbbVie recorded a charge of $163 million reflecting employee severance and other related charges, with $42 million classified as cost of products sold, $72 million as R&D and $49 million as SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.
	The following summarizes the cash activity in the restructuring reserve for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Restructuring reserves as of December 31, 2010 principally relates to a restructuring plan approved by AbbVie management in 2010.
	(in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2010	$	157
	2011 restructuring charges		163
	Payments and other adjustments		(171	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2011		149
	2012 restructuring charges		191
	Payments and other adjustments		(107	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2012		233
	2013 restructuring charges		76
	Payments and other adjustments		(118	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013	$	191
	Payments and other adjustments for 2013 includes a $23 million reversal of a previously recorded restructuring reserve due to the company's re-evaluation of a prior year decision to exit a manufacturing facility. In 2012 and 2011, AbbVie recorded additional restructuring charges of $69 million and $53 million, respectively, primarily for accelerated depreciation and, for 2011 only, asset impairments.

Debt_Credit_Facilities_and_Com

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies	'
Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 8  Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies
	Long-Term Debt
	The following is a summary of long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	(in millions)	Effective			2013			Effective			2012
		interest rate						interest rate
		in 2013(a)						in 2012(a)
	Floating rate notes due 2015		1.14	%	$	500			1.13	%	$	500
	1.2% notes due 2015		1.31	%		3,500			1.24	%		3,500
	1.75% notes due 2017		1.86	%		4,000			1.82	%		4,000
	2.0% notes due 2018		2.15	%		1,000			2.12	%		1,000
	2.9% notes due 2022		2.97	%		3,100			3.01	%		3,100
	4.4% notes due 2042		4.46	%		2,600			4.5	%		2,600
	Other		—			98			—			104
	Fair value hedges		—			(432	)		—			(81	)
	Unamortized bond discounts		—			(56	)		—			(71	)
	Total long-term debt and lease obligations					14,310						14,652
	Current portion					18						22
	Noncurrent portion				$	14,292					$	14,630
	(a)
	Excludes the effect of any related interest rate swaps.
	In November 2012, AbbVie issued $14.7 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes. Approximately $3.0 billion of these senior notes were issued to Abbott as partial consideration for the transfer of assets from Abbott to AbbVie. AbbVie used part of the net proceeds from the sale of senior notes (other than the senior notes issued to Abbott) to finance the payment made in November 2012 of a $10.2 billion distribution to Abbott, as provided by the terms of the separation agreement. The debt was guaranteed by Abbott until AbbVie separated from Abbott on January 1, 2013.
	AbbVie may redeem all of the senior notes of each series, other than the floating notes due in 2015, at any time, and some of the senior notes of each series, other than the floating notes due in 2015, from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the senior notes redeemed plus a make-whole premium. AbbVie may not redeem the floating notes due in 2015 prior to maturity.
	At December 31, 2013, the company was in compliance with its senior note covenants.
	Short-Term Borrowings
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, short-term borrowings included $400 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, of commercial paper borrowings. The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 0.2% and 0.4% for 2013 and 2012, respectively. AbbVie has a $2.0 billion unsecured bank credit facility agreement, which backs the commercial paper program, and matures in July 2017. Abbott was relieved of its obligations under the credit facility upon separation of AbbVie from Abbott on January 1, 2013, and AbbVie became the sole obligor of this facility. The credit facility enables the company to borrow funds on an unsecured basis at floating interest rates. At December 31, 2013, the company was in compliance with its credit facility covenants. Compensating balances and commitment fees are not material.
	Maturities of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
	As part of the separation, AbbVie entered into agreements to lease certain facilities, including office, laboratory, and factory and warehouse space, under principally non-cancelable operating leases with Abbott. The leases generally include renewal options and provide for the company to pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and other operating costs of the leased property. AbbVie also leases office space on a short-term basis typically under cancelable operating leases. Lease expense for 2013 was $107 million and was not material for both 2012 and 2011. Capital lease obligations relate to automobiles and certain facilities. As of December 31, 2013, annual future minimum lease payments for capital lease obligations are not material. The following table summarizes AbbVie's future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases, debt maturities and future minimum lease payments for capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2013.
	as of and for the years ended December 31 (in millions)	Operating			Debt maturities
		leases			and capital leases
	2014	$	87		$	18
	2015		79			4,012
	2016		71			11
	2017		62			4,008
	2018		46			1,006
	Thereafter		530			5,743
	Total obligations and commitments		875			14,798
	Fair value hedges and unamortized bond discounts		n/a			(488	)
	Total debt and lease obligations	$	875		$	14,310
	Contingencies and Guarantees
	In connection with the separation, AbbVie has indemnified Abbott for all liabilities resulting from the operation of AbbVie's business other than income tax liabilities with respect to periods prior to the distribution date and other liabilities as agreed to by AbbVie and Abbott. AbbVie has no material exposures to off-balance sheet arrangements, no special-purpose entities and no activities that included non-exchange-traded contracts accounted for at fair value. In the ordinary course of business, AbbVie has periodically entered into third-party agreements, such as the assignment of product rights, which have resulted in AbbVie becoming secondarily liable for obligations for which AbbVie had previously been primarily liable. Since AbbVie no longer maintains a business relationship with the other parties, AbbVie is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, under these obligations. Based upon past experience, the likelihood of payments under these agreements is remote. AbbVie periodically acquires a business or product rights in which AbbVie agrees to pay contingent consideration based on attaining certain thresholds or based on the occurrence of certain events.

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures	'
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures	'
	Note 9  Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures
	Risk Management Policy
	The company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks related to its business operations. The company's hedging policy attempts to manage these risks to an acceptable level based on the company's judgment of the appropriate trade-off between risk, opportunity and costs. The company uses derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. The company is also exposed to the risk that its earnings and cash flows could be adversely impacted by fluctuations in interest rates. The company periodically enters into interest rate swaps, based on judgment, to manage interest costs in which the company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional amount. Derivative instruments are not used for trading purposes or to manage exposure to changes in interest rates for investment securities, and none of the company's outstanding derivative instruments contain credit risk related contingent features; collateral is generally not required.
	Financial Instruments
	Various AbbVie foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage exposures to changes in foreign exchange rates for anticipated transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the local entity. These contracts, with notional amounts totaling $1.5 billion and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are designated as cash flow hedges and are recorded at fair value. Accumulated gains and losses as of December 31, 2013 will be included in cost of products sold at the time the products are sold, generally through the next twelve months.
	The company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage its exposure to foreign currency denominated trade payables and receivables and intercompany loans. The contracts are marked-to-market, and resulting gains or losses are reflected in income and are generally offset by losses or gains on the foreign currency exposure being managed. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, AbbVie held notional amounts of $5.3 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively, of such foreign currency forward exchange contracts.
	AbbVie was a party to interest rate hedge contracts, designated as fair value hedges, totaling $8.0 billion at both December 31, 2013 and 2012. The effect of the hedge is to change a fixed-rate interest obligation to a floating rate for that portion of the debt. AbbVie recorded the contracts at fair value and adjusted the carrying amount of the fixed-rate debt by an offsetting amount.
	The following table summarizes the amounts and location of AbbVie's derivative instruments as of December 31.
		Fair value—Derivatives in asset position								Fair value—Derivatives in liability
										position
	(in millions)	2013			2012			Balance sheet caption		2013			2012			Balance sheet caption
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	$	—		$	—		n/a		$	432		$	81		Long-term liabilities
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts—
	Hedging instruments		—			1		Prepaid expenses and other			61			10		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
	Others not designated as hedges		17			14		Prepaid expenses and other			12			15		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
	Total	$	17		$	15				$	505		$	106
	While certain derivatives are subject to netting arrangements with the company's counterparties, the company does not offset derivative assets and liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets presented herein.
	The following table summarizes the activity for derivative instruments and the amounts and location of income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income and for certain other derivative instruments for the years ended December 31. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
		(Loss) gain									Income (expense)
		recognized									and gain (loss)
		in other									reclassified
		comprehensive									into income
		(loss) income
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011		Income statement caption
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts—
	Designated as cash flow hedges	$	(77	)	$	(11	)	$	(2	)	$	—		$	24		$	18	Cost of products sold
	Not designated as hedges		n/a			n/a			n/a			81			(23	)		30	Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges		n/a			n/a			n/a			(351	)		(81	)		—	Interest expense (income), net
	The losses of $351 million and $81 million related to fair value hedges recognized in net interest expense in 2013 and 2012, respectively, were offset equally by $351 million and $81 million, respectively, in gains on the underlying hedged item, the fixed-rate debt.
	Fair Value Measures
	The fair value hierarchy under the accounting standard for fair value measurements consists of the following three levels:
	•
	Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that the company has the ability to access;
	•
	Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in the market; and
	•
	Level 3—Valuations using significant inputs that are unobservable in the market and include the use of judgment by the company's management about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.
					Basis of fair value measurement
	(in millions)	Balance at			Quoted prices			Significant			Significant
		December 31,			in active			other			unobservable
		2013			markets for			observable			Inputs
					identical			inputs			(Level 3)
					assets			(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets
	Cash and equivalents	$	9,595		$	684		$	8,911		$	—
	Time deposits		300			—			300			—
	Equity securities		10			10			—			—
	Foreign currency contracts		17			—			17			—
	Total assets	$	9,922		$	694		$	9,228		$	—
	Liabilities
	Interest rate hedges	$	432		$	—		$	432		$	—
	Foreign currency contracts		73			—			73			—
	Contingent consideration		165			—			—			165
	Total liabilities	$	670		$	—		$	505		$	165
	The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.
					Basis of fair value measurement
	(in millions)	Balance at			Quoted prices			Significant			Significant
		December 31,			in active			other			unobservable
		2012			markets for			observable			Inputs
					identical			inputs			(Level 3)
					assets			(Level 2)
		(Level 1)
Assets
Cash and equivalents	$	5,901		$	675		$	5,226		$	—
Time deposits		1,775			—			1,775			—
U.S. Treasury securities		300			300			—			—
Equity securities		12			12			—			—
Foreign currency contracts		15			—			15			—
Total assets	$	8,003		$	987		$	7,016		$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate hedges	$	81		$	—		$	81		$	—
Foreign currency contracts		25			—			25			—
Contingent consideration		251			—			—			251
Total liabilities	$	357		$	—		$	106		$	251
The fair value for time deposits included in cash and equivalents and short-term investments is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis reflecting quoted market rates for the same or similar instruments. The fair values of time deposits approximate their amortized cost due to the short maturities of these instruments. Available-for-sale equity securities consist of investments for which the fair value is determined by using the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held, without consideration of transaction costs. The derivatives entered into by the company are valued using publicized spot and forward prices for foreign currency hedges and publicized swap curves for interest rate hedges. The contingent payments are valued using a discounted cash flow technique that reflects management's expectations about probability of payment.
Cumulative unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale equity securities totaled $2 million and $1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities between the fair value measurement levels. The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value measurements that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), which consist of contingent payments related to acquisitions and investments.
(in millions)
Fair value as of December 31, 2011		349
Payments		(134	)
Other		7
Change in fair value recognized in earnings		29
Fair value as of December 31, 2012		251
Payments		(131	)
Additions		28
Change in fair value recognized in earnings		17
Fair value as of December 31, 2013	$	165
In connection with an acquisition of a business in 2010, the achievement of a certain sales milestone resulted in a payment of approximately $131 million in 2013 and $134 million in 2012 for which a liability was previously established. Additions of $28 million related to the acquisition of product rights during the second quarter of 2013. The change in fair value recognized in earnings for both years was recognized in net foreign exchange loss (gain) and other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings.
In addition to the financial instruments that the company is required to recognize at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, the company has certain financial instruments that are recognized at historical cost or some basis other than fair value. The carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments as of December 31 are shown in the table below.
	Book values						Approximate
							fair values
(in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
Assets
Investments	$	108		$	107		$	129		$	104
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings		413			1,020			413			1,020
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations		18			22			18			22
Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges		14,724			14,711			14,493			15,066
The following table summarizes the bases used to measure the approximate fair values of the financial instruments as of December 31, 2013.
				Basis of fair value measurement
(in millions)	Fair value at			Quoted prices			Significant			Significant
	December 31,			in active			other			unobservable
	2013			markets for			observable			inputs
				identical			inputs			(Level 3)
				assets			(Level 2)
				(Level 1)
Assets
Investments	$	129		$	39		$	30		$	60
Total assets	$	129		$	39		$	30		$	60
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	$	413		$	—		$	413		$	—
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations		18			—			18			—
Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges		14,493			14,413			80			—
Total liabilities	$	14,924		$	14,413		$	511		$	—
The following table summarizes the bases used to measure the approximate fair values of the financial instruments as of December 31, 2012.
				Basis of fair value measurement
(in millions)	Fair value at			Quoted prices			Significant			Significant
	December 31,			in active			other			unobservable
	2012			markets for			observable			inputs
				identical			inputs			(Level 3)
				assets			(Level 2)
				(Level 1)
Assets
Investments	$	104		$	—		$	32		$	72
Total assets	$	104		$	—		$	32		$	72
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	$	1,020		$	—		$	1,020		$	—
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations		22			—			22			—
Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges		15,066			—			15,066			—
Total liabilities	$	16,108		$	—		$	16,108		$	—
Investments consist of cost method investments and held-to-maturity debt securities. Cost method investments include certain investments for which the fair value is determined by using the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held, without consideration of transaction costs. To determine the fair value of other cost method investments, the company takes into consideration recent transactions, as well as the financial information of the investee, which represents a Level 3 basis of fair value measurement. The fair value of held-to-maturity debt securities was estimated based upon the quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments. The fair values of short-term and current borrowings approximate the carrying values due to the short maturities of these instruments. For 2013, the fair value of long-term debt, excluding fair value hedges, was determined by using the published market price for the debt instruments, without consideration of transaction costs, which represents a Level 1 basis of fair value measurement. For 2012, the fair value of long-term debt, excluding fair value hedges, was estimated based upon the quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments. For 2013 and 2012, the fair value of other debt and lease obligations was estimated based on a discounted cash flow analysis reflecting quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments. There were no material adjustments to fair value during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 of assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, except as discussed in Note 5 regarding the impairment of the company's investment in Reata. The counterparties to financial instruments consist of select major international financial institutions.
Concentrations of Risk
The company invests excess cash in time deposits, money market funds and U.S. Treasury securities and diversifies the concentration of cash among different financial institutions. The company monitors concentrations of credit risk associated with deposits with financial institutions. Credit exposure limits have been established to limit a concentration with any single issuer or institution.
Three U.S. wholesalers accounted for 38 percent and 48 percent of total net accounts receivables as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and substantially all of AbbVie's U.S. sales are to these three wholesalers. In addition, substantially all of AbbVie's trade receivables in Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain are with governmental health systems. Global economic conditions and liquidity issues in these countries have resulted, and may continue to result, in delays in the collection of receivables and credit losses. While the company continues to receive payments on these receivables, these conditions have resulted in an increase in the average length of time it takes to collect accounts receivable outstanding. Net governmental receivables outstanding in Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain totaled $781 million and $725 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
HUMIRA is AbbVie's single largest product and accounted for approximately 57 percent, 50 percent and 45 percent of AbbVie's total sales in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Any significant event that adversely affects HUMIRA's revenues could have a material adverse impact on AbbVie's results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Because HUMIRA is a biologic and biologics cannot be readily substituted, it is uncertain what impact the loss of patent protection would have on the sales of HUMIRA.

PostEmployment_Benefits

Post-Employment Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Post-Employment Benefits	'
Post-Employment Benefits	'
	Note 10  Post-Employment Benefits
	AbbVie sponsors various pension and other post-employment benefit plans, including defined benefit, defined contribution and termination indemnity plans, which cover most employees worldwide. In addition, AbbVie provides medical benefits, primarily to eligible U.S. retirees, through other post-retirement benefit plans.
	Abbott Sponsored Plans
	Prior to separation, AbbVie employees participated in certain U.S. and international defined benefit pension and other post-employment (OPEB) plans sponsored by Abbott. These plans included participants of Abbott's other businesses and were accounted for as multiemployer benefit plans in AbbVie's combined financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. As a result, no asset or liability was recorded by AbbVie in the historical combined balance sheets through December 31, 2012 to recognize the funded status of these plans. Effective January 1, 2013, in connection with the separation of AbbVie from Abbott, these plans were separated and AbbVie assumed net benefit plan obligations that were previously provided by Abbott. For Abbott-sponsored defined benefit and post-employment benefit plans, AbbVie recorded expenses of $200 million in 2012 and $150 million in 2011. Abbott made voluntary contributions to its defined benefit pension plans that AbbVie accounted for as multiemployer benefit plans totaling $310 million and $289 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The multiemployer benefit pension plans were approximately 94 percent funded as of December 31, 2012.
	AbbVie Sponsored Plans
	AbbVie is the sole sponsor of certain other defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans, which have been reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 and the combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. During 2012, in preparation for the separation from Abbott, certain defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefit plans were assumed by AbbVie and were reflected in the December 31, 2012 combined balance sheet. AbbVie made voluntary contributions to the AbbVie sponsored pension plans of $46 million and $64 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Prior to the separation, AbbVie employees participated in the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan, which was Abbott's principal domestic defined benefit pension plan. In connection with the separation, AbbVie established the AbbVie Pension Plan, which is AbbVie's principal domestic defined benefit pension plan, with substantially the same terms as the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan. AbbVie employees who were eligible to participate in the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan on December 31, 2012 automatically became eligible for the AbbVie Pension Plan. During the first quarter of 2013, the AbbVie Pension Plan assumed the obligations and related assets for its employees from the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan. In the first quarter of 2013, AbbVie made a voluntary contribution of $145 million this plan. AbbVie also made a voluntary contribution of $370 million to this plan subsequent to December 31, 2013.
	The benefit plan information in the table below pertains to the global AbbVie-sponsored defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans.
		Defined						Other
		benefit plans						post-employment
								plans
	as of and for the years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Projected benefit obligations
	Beginning of period	$	1,669		$	649		$	231		$	—
	Service cost		184			21			23			—
	Interest cost		196			38			19			—
	Employee contributions		1			—			—			—
	Plan amendments		(1	)		—			—			—
	Assumption of plan liabilities		3,009			797			209			231
	Removal of plans		—			—			(12	)		—
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(455	)		182			(55	)		—
	Benefits paid		(146	)		(40	)		(12	)		—
	Other, primarily foreign currency translation loss		27			22			—			—
	End of period	$	4,484		$	1,669		$	403		$	231
	Fair value of plan assets
	Beginning of period	$	898		$	230		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		491			42			—			—
	Company contributions		198			46			12			—
	Employee contributions		1			—			—			—
	Assumption of plan assets		2,221			620			—			—
	Benefits paid		(146	)		(40	)		(12	)		—
	Other, primarily foreign currency translation gain		3			—			—			—
	End of period	$	3,666		$	898			—			—
	Funded status at December 31	$	(818	)	$	(771	)	$	(403	)	$	(231	)
	Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets
	Other assets	$	442		$	11		$	—		$	—
	Current liabilities		(27	)		(27	)		(8	)		(7	)
	Long-term liabilities		(1,233	)		(755	)		(395	)		(224	)
	Net liability at December 31	$	(818	)	$	(771	)	$	(403	)	$	(231	)
	Actuarial losses, net	$	1,194		$	526		$	74		$	69
	Prior service cost		22			10			(47	)		(1	)
	AOCI at December 31	$	1,216		$	536		$	27		$	68
	The projected benefit obligations (PBO) in the table above included $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to international defined benefit pension plans, a number of which generally are not funded, in accordance with local regulations. Benefit payments under those plans are funded from company assets.
	For plans reflected in the table above, the accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) were $3.9 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For those plans reflected in the table above in which the ABO exceeded plan assets at December 31, 2013, the ABO, PBO and aggregate plan assets were $1.8 billion, $2.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.
	Amounts Recognized in AOCI and OCI
	The defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans' actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost are recognized on a net-of-tax basis in AOCI and will be amortized to net periodic benefit cost in the future. The following is a summary of the pretax gains and losses included in OCI.
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Defined benefit plans
	Actuarial (gain) loss	$	(715	)	$	98			19
	Prior service cost		15			9			—
	Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs		(114	)		(7	)		(2	)
	Foreign exchange loss		2			5			2
	Total pretax (gain) loss recognized in OCI	$	(812	)	$	105		$	19
	Other post-employment plans
	Actuarial (gain) loss	$	(42	)	$	69		$	—
	Prior service cost		(53	)		—			—
	Total pretax (gain) loss recognized in OCI	$	(95	)	$	69		$	—
	The pretax amount of actuarial (gain) loss and prior service cost included in AOCI at December 31, 2013 that is expected to be recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2014 is $69 million for defined benefit plans and $(4) million for other post-employment plans.
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Defined benefit plans
	Service cost	$	184		$	21		$	18
	Interest cost		196			38			32
Expected return on plan assets		(259	)		(29	)		(21	)
Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs		114			7			2
Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	235		$	37		$	31
Other post-employment plans
Service cost	$	23			—			—
Interest cost		19			—			—
Amortization of actuarial gain and prior service costs		(1	)		—			—
Net periodic OPEB cost	$	41		$	—		$	—
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations at the Measurement Date
	2013			2012
Defined benefit plans
Discount rate		4.9	%		4	%
Rate of compensation increases		5	%		3.9	%
Other post-employment plans
Discount rate		5.3	%		4.3	%
Rate of compensation increases		6	%		3.5	%
The assumptions above, which were used in calculating the December 31, 2013 measurement date benefit obligations, will be used in the calculation of net periodic benefit cost in 2014.
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	2013			2012			2011
Defined benefit plans
Discount rate		4.3	%		5.1	%		5	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		8.2	%		8.5	%		8.5	%
Expected rate of change in compensation		5	%		4.2	%		4.1	%
Other post-employment plans
Discount rate		4.5	%		N/A			N/A
For purposes of measuring post-retirement health care obligations as of the measurement date, the Company assumed a 7.9% pre-65 (7.6% post-65) annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5% in 2051 and remain at that level thereafter. For purposes of measuring post-retirement health care costs for 2013, the company assumed a 7.9% pre-65 (7.6% post-65) annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5% for 2051 and remain at that level thereafter.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. As of December 31, 2013, a 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
	One percentage
	point
year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions)	Increase			Decrease
Service cost and interest cost	$	8		$	(6	)
Projected benefit obligation		71			(56	)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets
				Basis of fair value measurement
(in millions)	Balance at			Quoted prices in			Significant other			Significant
	December 31,			active markets for			observable			unobservable
	2013			identical assets			inputs			inputs
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Equities
U.S. large cap(a)	$	1,197		$	576		$	621		$	—
U.S. mid cap(b)		244			62			182			—
International(c)		614			225			389			—
Fixed income securities
U.S. government securities(d)		292			35			257			—
Corporate debt instruments(e)		212			57			155			—
Government Securities International		216			159			57			—
Other		52			45			7			—
Absolute return funds(f)		704			3			290			411
Real assets		70			8			62			—
Other(g)		65			62			3			—
Fair value of plan assets	$	3,666		$	1,232		$	2,023		$	411
				Basis of fair value measurement
(in millions)	Balance at			Quoted prices in			Significant other			Significant
	December 31,			active markets for			observable			unobservable
	2012			identical assets			inputs			inputs
				(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Equities
U.S. large cap(a)	$	232		$	232		$	—		$	—
U.S. mid cap(b)		45			31			14			—
International(c)		276			234			42			—
Fixed income securities
U.S. government securities(d)		73			24			49			—
Corporate debt instruments(e)		109			93			16			—
Government Securities International		26			26			—			—
Other		2			1			1			—
Absolute return funds(f)		90			22			37			31
Real assets		18			9			7			2
Other(g)		27			27			—			—
Fair value of plan assets	$	898		$	699		$	166		$	33
(a)
A mix of pooled index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various large cap indices.
(b)
A mix of pooled index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various mid cap indices.
(c)
A mix of pooled index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various non-US equity indices in both developed and emerging markets.
(d)
Securities held by pooled index funds and mutual funds.
(e)
Securities held by actively managed accounts, pooled index funds, and mutual funds.
(f)
Funds having global mandates with the flexibility to allocate capital broadly across a wide range of asset classes and strategies, including but not limited to equities, fixed income, commodities, financial futures, currencies, and other securities, with objectives to outperform agreed upon benchmarks of specific return and volatility targets.
(g)
Investments in cash and cash equivalents.
Equities that are valued using quoted prices are valued at the published market prices. Equities in a common collective trust or a registered investment company that are valued using significant other observable inputs are valued at the net asset value (NAV) provided by the fund administrator. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund minus its liabilities. Fixed income securities that are valued using significant other observable inputs are valued at prices obtained from independent financial service industry-recognized vendors. Absolute return funds and commodities are valued at the NAV provided by the fund administrator.
The following table summarizes the change in the value of plan assets that are measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
(in millions)	2013			2012
Balance as of January 1	$	33		$	27
Transfers in from other categories		—			—
Actual return on plan assets on hand at year end		4			3
Assumption of level 3 assets		372			—
Purchases, sales and settlements, net		2			3
Balance as of December 31	$	411		$	33
The investment mix of equity securities, fixed income and other asset allocation strategies is based upon achieving a desired return, balancing higher return, more volatile equity securities, and lower return, less volatile fixed income securities. Investment allocations are established for each plan and are generally made across a range of markets, industry sectors, capitalization sizes, and in the case of fixed income securities, maturities and credit quality. The target investment allocations for the AbbVie Pension Plan is 50% in equity securities, 20% in fixed income securities and 30% in asset allocation strategies and other holdings. There are no known significant concentrations of risk in the plan assets of the AbbVie Pension Plan or any other plans' assets.
The plans' expected return on assets, as shown above, is based on management's expectations of long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. In establishing this assumption, management considers historical and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plans are invested, as well as current economic and capital market conditions.
Expected Pension and Other Post-Employment Payments
(in millions)	Defined			Other
	benefit plans			post-employment
				plans
2014	$	154		$	9
2015		162			11
2016		170			13
2017		180			15
2018		192			18
2019 to 2023		1,164			129
The above table reflects total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants, which includes payments funded from company assets as well as paid from the plans.
Other
Prior to the separation, AbbVie employees also participated in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan, which was Abbott's principal defined contribution plan. AbbVie recorded expense of $67 million and $68 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to this plan. In connection with the separation, AbbVie established the AbbVie Savings Plan, which is AbbVie's principal defined contribution plan, with substantially the same terms as the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan. AbbVie employees who were eligible to participate in the Abbott Laboratories Stock Retirement Plan on January 1, 2013 automatically became eligible for the AbbVie Savings Plan. AbbVie recorded expense of $62 million in 2013 related to this plan.
AbbVie provides certain other post-employment benefits, primarily salary continuation plans, to qualifying employees and accrues for the related cost over the service lives of the employees.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity	'
Equity	'
	Note 11  Equity
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation expense was $212 million, $187 million and $163 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The related tax benefit recognized was $68 million, $56 million and $48 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In 2013, realized excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation totaled $38 million and was presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows as an outflow within the operating section and an inflow within the financing section. For 2013, $134 million of stock-compensation expense was classified in SG&A, $58 million in R&D and $20 million in cost of products sold. Stock-based compensation expense for both 2012 and 2011 was allocated to AbbVie based on the portion of Abbott's incentive stock program in which AbbVie employees participated. For both 2012 and 2011, more than half of stock-based compensation expense was classified in SG&A, with the remainder classified in R&D and cost of products sold. Compensation cost capitalized as part of inventory at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was not significant.
	Compensation expense for stock-based awards is measured based on the fair value of the awards, as of the date the stock-based awards are granted and adjusted to the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience at the time of grant and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Compensation cost for stock-based awards are amortized over their service period, which could be shorter than the vesting period if an employee is retirement eligible, with a charge to compensation expense. For stock-based awards granted to retirement-eligible employees, compensation expense is recognized immediately at the grant date because the employee is able to retain the award without continuing to provide service.
	Prior to separation, AbbVie employees participated in Abbott's incentive stock program. The AbbVie 2013 Incentive Stock Program, adopted at the time of separation, facilitated the assumption of certain awards granted under Abbott's incentive stock program and authorizes the post-separation grant of several different forms of benefits, including nonqualified stock options, RSAs, RSUs and performance-based RSAs and RSUs. Under the AbbVie 2013 Incentive Stock Program, 100 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance with respect to post-separation awards for participants.
	In connection with the separation, outstanding Abbott employee stock options, RSAs and RSUs previously issued under Abbott's incentive stock program were adjusted and converted into new Abbott and AbbVie stock-based awards using a formula designed to preserve the intrinsic value and fair value of the awards immediately prior to the separation. Upon the separation on January 1, 2013, holders of Abbott stock options, RSAs and RSUs generally received one AbbVie stock-based award for each Abbott stock-based award outstanding. These adjusted awards retained the vesting schedule and expiration date of the original awards. No awards have been granted to Abbott employees other than in connection with the separation.
	Stock Options
	The exercise price for options granted is at least equal to 100 percent of the market value on the date of grant. Stock options typically have a contractual term of 10 years and generally vest in one-third increments over a three-year period except for stock options with a replacement feature. Pre-2005 options were granted with a replacement option feature. The terms and conditions of the replacement option are the same in all material respects as those applicable to the original grant. When the exercise price of an option with a replacement option feature is paid with common shares held by the employee, a replacement option is granted for the number of shares used to make that payment. The closing price of the common share on the business day before the exercise is used to determine the number of shares required to exercise the related option and the exercise price of the replacement option. The replacement option is exercisable in full six months after the date of grant, and has a term expiring on the expiration date of the original option.
	The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes model. The weighted-average assumptions used in estimating the fair value of stock options granted during each year, along with weighted-average grant-date fair values, were as follows.
	years ended December 31	2013			2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rate		1.1	%		1.2	%		2.7	%
	Average life of options (years)		6			6			6
	Volatility		32.63	%		21	%		21	%
	Dividend yield		4.3	%		3.6	%		4.1	%
	Fair value per stock option	$	6.87		$	6.8		$	6.23
	The risk-free interest rate is based on the rates available at the time of the grant for zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a remaining term equal to the option's expected life. The average life of an option for 2013 is based on the simplified method. Prior to 2013, the average life of an option was based on both historical and projected exercise and lapsing data. For 2013, the expected volatility is based on an average peer historical volatility over the expected life of the option. Prior to 2013, the expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of Abbott's stock over the expected life of the option. Dividend yield is based on the option's exercise price and annual dividend rate at the time of grant.
	The following table summarizes AbbVie stock option activity for both AbbVie and Abbott employees for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	(options in thousands, aggregate intrinsic	Options			Weighted-			Weighted-			Aggregate
	value in millions)				average			Average			intrinsic value
					exercise price			remaining
								life (in years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		—		$	—
	Options converted on January 1, 2013		47,718			27
	Granted		3,128			37.91
	Exercised		(14,620	)		28.14
	Lapsed		(232	)		28.21
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		35,994			27.48			3.6		$	912
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		32,564		$	27.04			3.1		$	840
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the exercise price and the company's closing stock price on the last day of trading for the year ended December 31, 2013. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2013 was $229 million. For options issued under Abbott's incentive stock programs to AbbVie employees prior to the separation, the total intrinsic value of options exercises in 2012 and 2011 was $170 million and $31 million, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during 2013 was $17 million.
	The tax benefit realized from option exercises totaled $21 million for 2013. As of December 31, 2013, $2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized as expense over approximately the next two years.
	RSAs & RSUs
	RSAs generally vest over three and five years. For RSAs that vest over five years, no more than one-third of the award vests in any one year. RSUs vest over three years and, upon vesting, the recipient receives one share of common stock for each vested RSU. In addition, AbbVie grants selected executives and other key employees performance-based RSAs and RSUs with vesting contingent upon meeting various departmental and company-wide performance goals, including AbbVie achieving a minimum return on equity. The fair value of RSAs and RSUs (including performance-based awards) is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the common stock on the date of grant. AbbVie assumes that the performance goals will be achieved. If such goals are not met, no compensation cost is recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost is reversed.
	The following table summarizes AbbVie RSA and RSU activity (including performance-based awards) for both AbbVie and Abbott employees for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	(share units in thousands)	Share units			Weighted-average
					grant date fair value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		—		$	—
	Awards converted on January 1, 2013		15,394			27.55
	Granted		7,615			36.39
	Vested		(7,553	)		27.33
	Lapsed		(546	)		30.65
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		14,910		$	32.07
	Unvested shares at December 31, 2013		14,804		$	32.08
	The fair market value of RSAs and RSUs vested in 2013 was $285 million. For RSAs and RSUs issued under Abbott's incentive stock programs prior to the separation, the fair market value of RSAs and RSUs vested in 2012 and 2011 was $123 million and $74 million, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of RSAs and RSUs granted during 2012 and 2011 was $56.07 and $46.85, respectively. Such amounts have not been adjusted to reflect the separation from Abbott.
	As of December 31, 2013, $177 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSAs and RSUs is expected to be recognized as expense over approximately the next two years.
	Cash Dividends
	On January 4, February 15, June 20, and September 19, 2013, the board of directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.40 per share of common stock, which were paid on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, 2013, respectively. Additionally, on December 12, 2013, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share of common stock for stockholders of record on January 15, 2014, which was paid on February 14, 2014.
	The cash dividend of $0.40 per share of common stock declared on January 4, 2013 was declared from pre-separation earnings and was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.
	Stock Repurchase Program
	On February 15, 2013, AbbVie's board of directors authorized a $1.5 billion stock repurchase program. Purchases of AbbVie shares may be made from time to time at management's discretion depending on the company's cash flows, net debt level and market conditions. The plan has no time limit and can be discontinued at any time. During 2013, AbbVie repurchased approximately 4 million shares for $223 million in the open market. Shares repurchased under this program are recorded at acquisition cost, including related expenses, and are available for general corporate purposes. AbbVie's remaining share repurchase authorization is $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2013.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table summarizes the changes in balances of each component of AOCI, net of tax for the three year period ended December 31, 2013.
	(in millions) (brackets denote losses)	Foreign			Pension			Unrealized			Gains			Total
		currency			and post-			gains			(losses) on
		translation			employment			(losses) on			hedging
		adjustments			benefits			marketable			activities
								equity
								securities
	Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	303		$	(58	)	$	9		$	34		$	288
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(295	)		(8	)		17			(14	)	$	(300	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			1			—			(14	)	$	(13	)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		(295	)		(7	)		17			(28	)	$	(313	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	8		$	(65	)	$	26		$	6		$	(25	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		173			(157	)		(25	)		(9	)	$	(18	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			7			—			(18	)	$	(11	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income		173			(150	)		(25	)		(27	)	$	(29	)
Separation-related adjustments		—			(296	)		—			—		$	(296	)
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	181		$	(511	)	$	1		$	(21	)	$	(350	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		48			519			1			(77	)	$	491
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			79			—			—		$	79
Net current-period other comprehensive income		48			598			1			(77	)	$	570
Separation-related adjustments		241			(914	)		—			11		$	(662	)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	470		$	(827	)	$	2		$	(87	)	$	(442	)
The table below presents the significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three year period ended December 31, 2013.
Years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
Pension and post-employee benefits
Amortization of actuarial losses and other	$	114		$	7		$	2
Less tax expense		(35	)		(—	)		(1	)
Total reclassification, net of tax	$	79		$	7		$	1
Other
In addition to common stock, AbbVie's authorized capital includes 200 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01. As of December 31, 2013, no shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 12  Income Taxes
	Earnings Before Income Taxes
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	(581	)	$	625		$	626
	Foreign		5,913			5,100			3,042
	Total earnings before income taxes	$	5,332		$	5,725		$	3,668
	Income Taxes
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Current
	Domestic	$	226		$	94		$	177
	Foreign		354			252			390
	Total current taxes	$	580		$	346		$	567
	Deferred
	Domestic	$	678		$	89		$	(198	)
	Foreign		(54	)		15			(134	)
	Total deferred taxes		624			104			(332	)
	Total income taxes	$	1,204		$	450		$	235
	Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Statutory tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Effect of foreign operations		(11.5	)		(23.5	)		(25.4	)
	Resolution of uncertain tax positions		—			(3.4	)		(11.2	)
	Non-deductible litigation loss		—			0.6			12.9
	Puerto Rico excise tax credit		(1.9	)		(1.2	)		(3.2	)
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		0.4			0.1			0.3
	All other, net		0.6			0.3			(2.0	)
	Effective tax rate		22.6	%		7.9	%		6.4	%
	The benefit from foreign operations reflected the impact of lower income tax rates in locations outside the United States, tax exemptions and incentives in Puerto Rico and other foreign tax jurisdictions, together with the cost of repatriation decisions. As further discussed in the "Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities" section following, income tax expense in 2013 included income tax expense relating to 2013 earnings outside the United States that are not deemed indefinitely reinvested. Income taxes in 2012 and 2011 included the recognition of tax benefits totaling approximately $195 million and $410 million, respectively, as a result of favorable resolutions of various tax positions pertaining to prior years. Income taxes in 2011 also reflected the non-deductibility of a litigation reserve.
	Puerto Rico enacted legislation that assesses an excise tax beginning in 2011 on certain products manufactured in Puerto Rico. The tax is levied on gross inventory purchases from entities in Puerto Rico and is included in cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of earnings. The majority of the tax is creditable for U.S. income tax purposes.
	Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets
	Compensation and employee benefits	$	279		$	190
	Accruals and reserves		252			173
	Chargebacks and rebates		333			403
	Deferred revenue		348			283
	Depreciation		64			42
	State income taxes		67			87
	Other		122			274
	Net operating losses and other credit carryforwards		115			92
	Total deferred tax assets		1,580			1,544
	Valuation allowances		(43	)		(7	)
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	1,537		$	1,537
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets	$	(508	)	$	(500	)
	Repatriation of foreign earnings		(606	)		—
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(1,114	)	$	(500	)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	423		$	1,037
	In 2013, certain prior period amounts were reclassified to conform with the current period presentation, primarily in connection with reclassifying prepaid taxes of $777 million associated with deferred intercompany profit in inventory from current deferred income taxes to prepaid expenses and other in the combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the company has loss carryforwards for U.S. tax purposes totaling approximately $585 million and $419 million, respectively, which are available for use by the company between 2014 and 2033. As of December 31, 2013, the company has state tax credit carryforwards of $53 million. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the company has loss carryforwards for foreign tax purposes totaling approximately $95 million and $114 million, respectively. The majority of the foreign loss carryforwards do not have an expiration period. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the company has recorded valuation allowances of $43 million and $7 million, respectively, related to certain state net operating losses and credit carryforwards that are not expected to be realized.
	Deferred income taxes have not been provided on approximately $21 billion of the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries as these earnings have been indefinitely reinvested for continued use in foreign operations. It is not practicable to determine the tax effect of a distribution of these earnings.
	Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Balance as of January 1	$	1,140		$	1,039		$	1,645
	Increase due to current year tax positions		195			370			294
	Increase due to prior year tax positions		—			1			149
	Decrease due to current year tax positions		—			—			(15	)
	Decrease due to prior year tax positions		—			(220	)		(604	)
	Settlements		—			(50	)		(430	)
	Separation-related adjustments		(1,088	)		—			—
	Balance as of December 31	$	247		$	1,140		$	1,039
	AbbVie and Abbott entered into a tax sharing agreement, effective on the date of separation, which provides that Abbott is liable for and has indemnified AbbVie against all income tax liabilities for periods prior to the separation if the tax positions are settled for amounts in excess of recorded liabilities. AbbVie will not benefit if prior tax positions are resolved more favorably than recorded amounts. As a result, no liability for uncertain tax positions was recorded in the combined financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	The table above reflects a reduction of $1.1 billion relating to tax periods prior to the separation for which Abbott is the primary obligor. However, under U.S. Treasury Regulations, each member of a consolidated group is severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of each other member of the consolidated group. Accordingly, with respect to periods in which AbbVie was included in Abbott's consolidated group, AbbVie could be liable to the U.S. government for any U.S. federal income tax liability incurred by the consolidated group, to the extent not discharged by any other member. However, if any such liability were imposed, AbbVie would be entitled to be indemnified by Abbott pursuant to the tax sharing agreement.
AbbVie will be responsible for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties for periods after separation or in instances where an existing entity was transferred to AbbVie upon separation. As a result, AbbVie has continued to account for these tax uncertainties. To the extent that these obligations relate to periods prior to the separation, a reimbursement receivable of approximately $41 million has been recorded within other assets at December 31, 2013.
If recognized, the net amount of potential tax benefits that would impact the company's effective tax rate is $218 million. The company is routinely audited by the tax authorities in these jurisdictions, and a number of audits are currently underway. It is reasonably possible during the next twelve months that uncertain tax positions may be settled, which could result in a decrease in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits. Due to the potential for resolution of federal, state, and foreign examinations, and the expiration of various statutes of limitation, the company's gross unrecognized tax benefits balance may change within the next twelve months up to $22 million. All significant federal, state, local, and international matters have been concluded for years through 2005. The company believes adequate provision has been made for all income tax uncertainties.
AbbVie recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The amounts expensed and the liabilities accrued are immaterial as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Uncertain tax positions are included as a long-term liability on the balance sheet.

Legal_Proceedings_and_Continge

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	'
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	'
	Note 13  Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
	Subject to certain exceptions specified in the separation agreement, AbbVie assumed the liability for, and control of, all pending and threatened legal matters related to its business, including liabilities for any claims or legal proceedings related to products that had been part of its business but were discontinued prior to the distribution, as well as assumed or retained liabilities, and will indemnify Abbott for any liability arising out of or resulting from such assumed legal matters. AbbVie is involved in various claims, legal proceedings and investigations, including those described below. The recorded accrual balance for litigation at December 31, 2013 was not significant. Within the next year, other legal proceedings may occur that may result in a change in the estimated loss accrued by AbbVie. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of all other proceedings and exposures with certainty, management believes that their ultimate disposition should not have a material adverse effect on AbbVie's consolidated financial position, cash flows, or results of operations, except as described below.
	The U.S. Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and various state Attorneys General investigated AbbVie's sales and marketing activities for Depakote. The government sought to determine whether any of these activities violated civil and/or criminal laws, including the Federal False Claims Act, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and the Anti-Kickback Statute in connection with Medicare and/or Medicaid reimbursement to third parties. The state Attorneys General offices sought to determine whether any of these activities violated various state laws, including state consumer fraud/protection statutes. AbbVie recorded charges of $1.5 billion in the third quarter of 2011 and $100 million in the first quarter of 2012 related to civil and criminal claims arising from this matter. In May 2012, AbbVie reached resolution of all Depakote-related federal claims, Medicaid-related claims with 49 states and the District of Columbia, and consumer protection claims with 45 states and the District of Columbia. In 2012, AbbVie paid approximately $1.6 billion for the settlement. The payments were material to AbbVie's combined statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Two cases are pending in state courts against AbbVie that generally allege Abbott and numerous other pharmaceutical companies reported false pricing information in connection with certain drugs that are reimbursable under Medicare and Medicaid. These cases, State of Wisconsin, filed in June 2004 in the Circuit Court of Dane County, Wisconsin, and State of Illinois, filed in February 2005 in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, were brought by state Attorneys General and generally seek monetary damages and/or injunctive relief and attorney's fees. This litigation is no longer material to AbbVie and AbbVie will no longer report on such cases. All other previously-reported cases that were pending against AbbVie in state courts have been settled.
	Lawsuits have been filed against AbbVie and others generally alleging that the 2005 patent litigation settlement involving Niaspan® entered into between Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a company acquired by Abbott Laboratories in 2006 and presently a subsidiary of AbbVie) and a generic company violates federal and state antitrust laws and state unfair and deceptive trade practices and unjust enrichment laws. Plaintiffs generally seek monetary damages and/or injunctive relief and attorneys' fees. In September 2013, all of these pending putative class action lawsuits were centralized for consolidated or coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under the Multi-District Litigation Rules as In re Niaspan Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 2460.
	In August 2013, a putative class action lawsuit, Sidney Hillman Health Center of Rochester, et al. v. AbbVie Inc., et al., was filed against AbbVie in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by three healthcare benefit providers alleging violations of federal RICO statutes and state deceptive business practice and unjust enrichment laws in connection with reimbursements for certain uses of Depakote from 1998 to 2012. Plaintiffs seek monetary damages and/or equitable relief and attorneys' fees.
	Several pending lawsuits filed against Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a company Abbott acquired in February 2010) and others were consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia under the Multi District Litigation Rules as In re AndroGel Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 2084. These cases, brought by private plaintiffs and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), generally allege Solvay's 2006 patent litigation involving AndroGel was sham litigation and the patent litigation settlement agreement and related agreements with three generic companies violate federal and state antitrust laws and state consumer protection and unjust enrichment laws. Plaintiffs generally seek monetary damages and/or injunctive relief and attorneys' fees. MDL 2084 includes: (a) three individual plaintiff lawsuits; (b) seven purported class actions; and (c) Federal Trade Commission v. Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. et al., filed in May 2009 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. In February 2010, Solvay's motion to dismiss the cases was partially granted and all of the FTC's claims and all of the plaintiffs' claims except those alleging sham litigation were dismissed. The FTC appealed and in May 2012 the district court's decision was affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. In June 2013, the United States Supreme Court reversed the Eleventh Circuit's decision affirming dismissal of the FTC's claims and remanded the case brought by the FTC, ruling that the patent litigation settlement agreement with three generic companies should be examined under a "rule of reason" analysis. In September 2012, the district court dismissed the remaining sham litigation claims and the plaintiffs' appeal of that dismissal is pending in the Eleventh Circuit.
	AbbVie is seeking to enforce its patent rights relating to testosterone gel (a drug AbbVie sells under the trademark AndroGel® 1.62%). In a case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware in February 2013, AbbVie alleges that Perrigo Company's and Perrigo Israel Pharmaceutical Ltd.'s proposed generic product infringes an AbbVie patent and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. In a second case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware in March 2013, AbbVie alleges that Watson Laboratories Inc.'s and Actavis Inc.'s proposed generic product infringes AbbVie's patent and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief.
	AbbVie is seeking to enforce its patent rights relating to ritonavir/lopinavir tablets (a drug AbbVie sells under the trademark Kaletra®). In a case filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in March 2009, AbbVie alleges that Matrix Laboratories, Inc.'s, Matrix Laboratories, Ltd.'s, and Mylan, Inc.'s proposed generic products infringe AbbVie's patents and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. Upon Matrix's motion in November 2009, the court granted a five-year stay of the litigation unless good cause to lift the stay is shown.
	AbbVie is seeking to enforce its patent rights relating to ritonavir tablets (a drug AbbVie sells under the trademark Norvir®). In a case pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio since April 2012, AbbVie alleges that Roxane Laboratories, Inc.'s (Roxane) proposed generic product infringes AbbVie's patents and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. In another case filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio in July 2013, AbbVie alleges that Roxane's proposed generic ritonavir product infringes additional AbbVie patents and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief on these additional patents. In a separate case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware in May 2013, AbbVie alleges that Hetero USA Inc.'s and Hetero Labs Limited's proposed generic ritonavir tablets product infringes AbbVie's patents and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief.
	AbbVie is seeking to enforce certain patent rights that cover the use of fully human anti-TNF alpha antibodies with methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In a case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in May 2009, AbbVie alleges Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc.'s (now Janssen Biotech, Inc.'s) product Simponi® infringes AbbVie's patents and seeks damages and injunctive relief.
	AbbVie previously reported that it was seeking to enforce its patent rights relating to fenofibric acid capsules (a drug AbbVie sells in the U.S. under the trademark TRILIPIX®). In a case filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in March 2011, AbbVie and its subsidiary Fournier Laboratories Ireland Ltd. alleged that Sandoz Inc. 's proposed generic product infringes AbbVie's patent and seek injunctive relief. In January 2014, the parties settled this case and it was dismissed without prejudice.

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In

Segment and Geographic Area Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'
	Note 14  Segment and Geographic Area Information
	AbbVie operates in one business segment—pharmaceutical products. Substantially all of AbbVie's U.S. sales are to three wholesalers. Outside the United States, products are sold primarily to health care providers or through distributors, depending on the market served. Worldwide net sales of key products were as follows.
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013		2012		2011
	HUMIRA	$	10,659	$	9,265	$	7,932
	AndroGel		1,035		1,152		874
	Kaletra		962		1,013		1,170
	Synagis		827		825		775
	Lupron		785		800		810
	Synthroid		622		551		522
	Sevoflurane		568		602		665
	Creon		412		353		332
	Duodopa		178		149		125
	Dyslipidemia products		1,076		2,145		2,504
	All other		1,666		1,525		1,735
	Net sales	$	18,790	$	18,380	$	17,444
	Net sales to external customers, based on the country that sold the product, were as follows.
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013		2012		2011
	United States	$	10,181	$	10,435	$	9,712
	Germany		911		756		701
	The Netherlands		858		776		904
	Japan		625		718		616
	United Kingdom		606		552		496
	Spain		543		525		569
	France		540		500		516
	Canada		538		500		446
	Brazil		439		434		382
	Italy		404		408		428
	All other countries		3,145		2,776		2,674
	Net sales	$	18,790	$	18,380	$	17,444
	Long-lived assets include net property and equipment of $2.3 billion and $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, of which $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, was located in the United States and Puerto Rico and $591 million and $536 million, respectively, was located in Europe.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	'
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	'
	(in millions except per share data)	2013		2012
	First Quarter
	Net sales	$	4,329	$	4,173
	Gross margin		3,176		3,017
	Net earnings		968		883
	Basic earnings per share		0.61		0.56
	Diluted earnings per share		0.6		0.56
	Cash dividends declared per common share(a)		0.8		—
	Second Quarter
	Net sales	$	4,692	$	4,493
	Gross margin		3,638		3,420
	Net earnings		1,068		1,267
	Basic earnings per share		0.67		0.8
	Diluted earnings per share		0.66		0.8
	Cash dividends declared per common share		0.4		—
	Third Quarter
	Net sales	$	4,658	$	4,508
	Gross margin		3,566		3,494
	Net earnings		964		1,585
	Basic earnings per share		0.6		1.01
	Diluted earnings per share		0.6		1.01
	Cash dividends declared per common share		0.4		—
	Fourth Quarter
	Net sales	$	5,111	$	5,206
	Gross margin		3,829		3,941
	Net earnings		1,128		1,540
	Basic earnings per share		0.7		0.98
	Diluted earnings per share		0.7		0.98
	Cash dividends declared per common share		0.4		—
	(a)
	On January 4, 2013, the board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per share of common stock. This dividend was declared from pre-separation earnings and was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. In addition, AbbVie declared regular quarterly cash dividends in 2013 aggregating $1.60 per share of common stock. Refer to Note 11 for information regarding cash dividends declared in 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and necessarily include amounts based on estimates and assumptions by management. Actual results could differ from those amounts. Significant estimates include amounts for sales rebates, pension and post-employment benefits, income taxes, litigation, valuation of intangible assets and goodwill, financial instruments, and inventory and accounts receivable exposures.
Basis of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 include the accounts of AbbVie and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. Controlling interest is determined by majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third-party participating rights or, in the case of variable interest entities, by majority exposure to expected losses, residual returns or both. Investments in companies over which AbbVie has a significant influence but not a controlling interest are accounted for using the equity method with AbbVie's share of earnings or losses reported in other (income) expense, net. All other investments are generally accounted for using the cost method. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior period combined financial statements to the current period presentation.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	AbbVie recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured. Revenue from product sales is recognized when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Provisions for discounts, rebates and sales incentives to customers and returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period the related sales are recorded. Sales incentives to customers are not material. Historical data is readily available and reliable, and is used for estimating the amount of the reduction in gross sales. Revenue from the launch of a new product, from an improved version of an existing product, or for shipments in excess of a customer's normal requirements are recorded when the conditions noted above are met. In those situations, management records a returns reserve for such revenue, if necessary. Sales of product rights for marketable products are recorded as revenue upon disposition of the rights.
Research and Development Costs	'
	Research and Development Costs
	Internal research and development (R&D) costs are expensed as incurred. Clinical trial costs incurred by third parties are expensed as the contracted work is performed. Where contingent milestone payments are due to third parties under research and development collaborations for pre-commercialization milestones, the milestone payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are achieved or are probable. Payments made to third parties subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized and amortized over the remaining useful life of the related product. Amounts capitalized for such payments are included in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization.
Collaborations and Other Arrangements	'
	Collaborations and Other Arrangements
	The company enters into collaborative agreements with third parties to develop and commercialize drug candidates. Collaborative activities may include joint research and development and commercialization of new products. AbbVie generally receives certain licensing rights under these arrangements. These collaborations often require upfront payments and may include additional milestone, research and development cost sharing, royalty or profit share payments, contingent upon the occurrence of certain future events linked to the success of the asset in development and commercialization. Upfront payments associated with collaborative arrangements during the development stage are expensed to acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D). Subsequent payments made to the partner for the achievement of milestones during the development stage are expensed to R&D when the milestone is achieved. Milestone payments made to the partner subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized as intangible assets and amortized to cost of products sold over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Royalty and sales based milestones are expensed as cost of products sold when incurred.
Advertising	'
	Advertising
	Costs associated with advertising are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A). Advertising expenses were $626 million, $506 million and $375 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Pension and Post-Employment Benefits	'
	Pension and Post-Employment Benefits
	AbbVie records annual expenses relating to its defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans based on calculations which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed asset rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. AbbVie reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends. Actuarial losses and gains are amortized over the remaining service attribution periods of the employees under the corridor method, in accordance with the rules for accounting for post-employment benefits. Differences between the expected long-term return on plan assets and the actual annual return are amortized to net period benefit cost over a five-year period.
	Prior to separation, AbbVie employees participated in certain defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans sponsored by Abbott, which included participants of Abbott's other businesses. Such plans were accounted for as multiemployer plans in AbbVie's historical combined financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. As a result, no asset or liability was recorded by AbbVie in the historical combined balance sheets to recognize the funded status of these plans. In 2013, subsequent to the separation from Abbott, AbbVie's portion of the defined benefit pension plans were separated from the Abbott defined benefit pension plans using a December 31, 2012 measurement date. As a result, the funded status for each plan is reflected in AbbVie's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. In addition to participation in defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans sponsored by Abbott, AbbVie is the sole sponsor for certain defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans. The funded status of these plans was recorded in AbbVie's combined balance sheet at December 31, 2012 and the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013.
	Refer to Note 10 for information regarding AbbVie's pension and post-employment plans.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Provisions for federal, state and foreign income taxes are calculated on reported pretax earnings based on current tax laws. Deferred taxes are provided using enacted tax rates on the future tax consequences of temporary differences, which are the differences between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and the tax benefits of carryforwards. A valuation allowance is established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	In AbbVie's financial statements for periods prior to 2013, income tax expense and tax balances were calculated as if AbbVie was a separate taxpayer, although AbbVie's operations were historically included in tax returns filed by Abbott. After separation, AbbVie's income tax expense and income tax balances represent AbbVie's federal, state and foreign income taxes as an independent company. As a result, its effective tax rate and income tax balances are not necessarily comparable to those for periods prior to the separation.
	Prior to the separation, AbbVie did not maintain an income taxes payable to/from account with Abbott. With the exception of certain entities outside the United States that transferred to AbbVie at separation, AbbVie is deemed to have settled current tax balances with the Abbott tax paying entities in the respective jurisdictions. These settlements were reflected as changes in net parent company investment.
Cash and Equivalents	'
	Cash and Equivalents
	Cash and equivalents include time deposits and money market funds with original maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less.
Investments	'
	Investments
	Short-term investments consist primarily of time deposits and U.S. Treasury securities. Investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value with any unrealized holding gains or losses, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in equity securities that are not traded on public stock exchanges and held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded at cost.
	AbbVie reviews the carrying value of investments each quarter to determine whether an other than temporary decline in fair value exists. AbbVie considers factors affecting the investee, factors affecting the industry the investee operates in and general equity market trends. The company considers the length of time an investment's fair value has been below cost and the near-term prospects for recovery. When AbbVie determines that an other than temporary decline has occurred, the cost basis investment is written down with a charge to other (income) expense and the available-for-sale securities' unrealized loss is recognized as a charge to income and removed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI).
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are stated at their net realizable value. The allowance against gross accounts receivable reflects the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the receivables portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other currently available information. Accounts receivable are written off after all reasonable means to collect the full amount (including litigation, where appropriate) have been exhausted. The allowance was $88 million at December 31, 2013 and $83 million at December 31, 2012. The increase in 2013 was due to a higher level of past due receivables.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Cost includes material and conversion costs. Inventories, net, consist of the following.
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Finished goods	$	485		$	547
	Work-in-process		404			286
	Materials		261			258
	Inventories, net	$	1,150		$	1,091
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Land	$	50		$	48
	Buildings		1,263			1,324
	Equipment		5,214			4,865
	Construction in progress		382			305
	Property and equipment, gross		6,909			6,542
	Less accumulated depreciation		(4,611	)		(4,295	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	2,298		$	2,247
	Depreciation for property and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful life for buildings ranges from 10 to 50 years and five to 20 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related facility lease (including any renewal periods, if appropriate) or the asset, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $388 million, $525 million and $508 million, respectively. Equipment includes certain computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. Assets under capital leases included in property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets are not material.
Litigation	'
	Litigation
	Loss contingency provisions are recorded for probable losses when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing information. When a best estimate cannot be made, the minimum loss contingency amount in a probable range is recorded. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.
Product Liability	'
	Product Liability
	AbbVie accrues for product liability claims, on an undiscounted basis, when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing information. The liabilities are adjusted quarterly as additional information becomes available. Receivables for insurance recoveries, if any, for product liability claims are recorded as assets, on an undiscounted basis, when it is probable that a recovery will be realized.
Business Combinations	'
	Business Combinations
	Results of operations of acquired companies are included in AbbVie's results of operations beginning on the respective acquisition dates. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. Any excess of the fair value consideration transferred over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized at the estimated fair value on the acquisition date, which is determined by utilizing a probability weighted discounted cash flow model. Subsequent changes to the fair value of contingent payments are recognized in other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in certain cases may be subject to revision based on the final determination of fair value. Legal costs, due diligence costs, business valuation costs and all other business acquisition costs are expensed when incurred.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value using a discounted cash flow model. The discounted cash flow model requires assumptions about the timing and amount of future net cash flows, risk, the cost of capital, and terminal values of market participants. Definite-lived intangibles are amortized over their estimated useful lives. AbbVie reviews the recoverability of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. AbbVie first compares the projected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset to its carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows of an intangible asset are less than the carrying value of an intangible asset, the intangible asset is written down to its fair value, which is usually the discounted cash flow amount and a loss is recorded equal to the excess of the asset's net carrying value over its fair value. Where cash flows cannot be identified for an individual asset, the review is applied at the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived assets are not amortized but are subject to an impairment review annually and more frequently when indicators of impairment exist. An impairment of goodwill would occur if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of that reporting unit, calculated using a weighting of the income approach and the market approach. The fair value under the income approach is calculated as the present value of estimated cash flows discounted using a risk-free market rate adjusted for a market participant's view of similar companies and perceived risks in cash flows. The fair value under the market approach is calculated using market multiples for peer groups applied to the operating results of the reporting unit to determine fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is then determined by subtracting the fair value of all identifiable net assets other than goodwill from the fair value of the reporting unit, with an impairment charge recorded for the excess, if any, of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value. Based on the company's most recent annual impairment test performed in the third quarter of 2013, the fair value of AbbVie's single reporting unit was substantially in excess of its carrying value.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which consist of capitalized IPR&D, are tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of each intangible asset with its carrying value. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is based on the present value of projected cash flows using an income approach. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the intangible asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development	'
	Acquired In-Process Research and Development
	The initial costs of rights to IPR&D projects acquired in an asset acquisition are expensed as IPR&D unless the project has an alternative future use. These costs include initial payments incurred prior to regulatory approval in connection with research and development collaboration agreements that provide rights to develop, manufacture, market and/or sell pharmaceutical products. The fair value of IPR&D projects acquired in a business combination are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets until the underlying project receives regulatory approval, at which point the intangible asset will be accounted for as a definite-lived intangible asset, or discontinuation, at which point the intangible asset will be written off. Development costs incurred after the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Indefinite- and definite-lived assets are subject to impairment reviews as discussed previously.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Foreign subsidiary earnings are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates. The net assets of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period end exchange rates. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI). The net assets of subsidiaries in highly inflationary economies are remeasured as if the functional currency were the reporting currency. The remeasurement is recognized in earnings and is immaterial for all years presented.
Derivatives	'
	Derivatives
	All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value in AbbVie's balance sheets and are classified as current or long-term based on the scheduled maturity of the instrument. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been formally designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship under the applicable accounting standards and, further, on the type of hedging relationship.
	For derivatives formally designated as hedges, the company assesses at inception and quarterly thereafter, whether the hedging derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. The changes in fair value of a derivative designated as a fair value hedge and of the hedged item attributable to the hedge risk are recognized in earnings immediately. Fair value hedges are used to hedge the interest rate risk associated with certain of the company's fixed-rate debt. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge are reported in AOCI and are subsequently recognized in earnings consistent with the underlying hedged item. Cash flow hedges are used to manage exposures from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
	The derivatives that are not designated and do not qualify as hedges are adjusted to fair value through current earnings. If it is determined that a derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge, the company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. Gains or losses are immediately reclassified from AOCI to earnings relating to hedged forecasted transactions that are no longer probable of occurring. Gains or losses relating to terminations of effective cash flow hedges in which the forecasted transactions are still probable of occurring are deferred and recognized consistent with the income or loss recognition of the underlying hedged items. Terminations of a fair value hedge result in fair value adjustments to the hedged items until the date of termination with the new bases being accreted to par value on the date of maturity.
	Derivatives, including those that are not designated as a hedge, are principally classified in the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows, consistent with the underlying hedged item.
	Refer to Note 9 for information regarding AbbVie's derivative and hedging activities.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
Schedule of inventories, net	'
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Finished goods	$	485		$	547
	Work-in-process		404			286
	Materials		261			258
	Inventories, net	$	1,150		$	1,091
Schedule of property and equipment, net	'
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Land	$	50		$	48
	Buildings		1,263			1,324
	Equipment		5,214			4,865
	Construction in progress		382			305
	Property and equipment, gross		6,909			6,542
	Less accumulated depreciation		(4,611	)		(4,295	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	2,298		$	2,247

Supplemental_Financial_Informa1

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Financial Information	'
Schedule of interest expense (income), net	'
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Interest expense	$	299		$	104		$	—
	Interest and dividend income		(21	)		(20	)		(20	)
	Interest expense (income), net	$	278		$	84		$	(20	)
Schedule of accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Sales rebates	$	1,401		$	1,616
	Accounts payable		933			556
	Due to Abbott Laboratories		876			923
	Dividends payable		643			—
	Salaries, wages and commissions		621			523
	Royalty license arrangements		443			398
	Other		1,531			1,718
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	6,448		$	5,734
Schedule of long-term liabilities	'
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Deferred income taxes	$	570		$	360
	Pension and other post-employment benefits		1,628			979
	Other		1,337			900
	Long-term liabilities	$	3,535		$	2,239

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of the entity's goodwill	'
	(in millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	6,100
	Currency translation and other adjustments		30
	Balance at December 31, 2012		6,130
	Additions		25
	Currency translation and other adjustments		122
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,277
Schedule of intangible assets	'
		December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
	(in millions)	Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		carrying		amortization			carrying		carrying		amortization			carrying
		amount					amount		amount					amount
	Definite-lived intangible assets
	Developed product rights	$	4,744	$	(3,503	)	$	1,241	$	4,699	$	(3,031	)	$	1,668
	License agreements		994		(792	)		202		969		(734	)		235
	Total definite-lived intangible assets		5,738		(4,295	)		1,443		5,668		(3,765	)		1,903
	Indefinite-lived research and development		447		—			447		420		—			420
	Total intangible assets	$	6,185	$	(4,295	)	$	1,890	$	6,088	$	(3,765	)	$	2,323

Restructuring_Plans_Tables

Restructuring Plans (Tables) (Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years	'
Restructuring Plans	'
Summary of cash activity in the restructuring reserves	'
	(in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2010	$	157
	2011 restructuring charges		163
	Payments and other adjustments		(171	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2011		149
	2012 restructuring charges		191
	Payments and other adjustments		(107	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2012		233
	2013 restructuring charges		76
	Payments and other adjustments		(118	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013	$	191

Debt_Credit_Facilities_and_Com1

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies	'
Summary of long term debt	'
	(in millions)	Effective			2013			Effective			2012
		interest rate						interest rate
		in 2013(a)						in 2012(a)
	Floating rate notes due 2015		1.14	%	$	500			1.13	%	$	500
	1.2% notes due 2015		1.31	%		3,500			1.24	%		3,500
	1.75% notes due 2017		1.86	%		4,000			1.82	%		4,000
	2.0% notes due 2018		2.15	%		1,000			2.12	%		1,000
	2.9% notes due 2022		2.97	%		3,100			3.01	%		3,100
	4.4% notes due 2042		4.46	%		2,600			4.5	%		2,600
	Other		—			98			—			104
	Fair value hedges		—			(432	)		—			(81	)
	Unamortized bond discounts		—			(56	)		—			(71	)
	Total long-term debt and lease obligations					14,310						14,652
	Current portion					18						22
	Noncurrent portion				$	14,292					$	14,630
	(a)
	Excludes the effect of any related interest rate swaps.
Summary of future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases, debt maturities and future minimum lease payments for capital lease obligations	'
	as of and for the years ended December 31 (in millions)	Operating			Debt maturities
		leases			and capital leases
	2014	$	87		$	18
	2015		79			4,012
	2016		71			11
	2017		62			4,008
	2018		46			1,006
	Thereafter		530			5,743
	Total obligations and commitments		875			14,798
	Fair value hedges and unamortized bond discounts		n/a			(488	)
	Total debt and lease obligations	$	875		$	14,310

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair1

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures	'
Schedule of amounts and balance sheet location of derivatives	'
		Fair value—Derivatives in asset position								Fair value—Derivatives in liability
										position
	(in millions)	2013			2012			Balance sheet caption		2013			2012			Balance sheet caption
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	$	—		$	—		n/a		$	432		$	81		Long-term liabilities
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts—
	Hedging instruments		—			1		Prepaid expenses and other			61			10		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
	Others not designated as hedges		17			14		Prepaid expenses and other			12			15		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
	Total	$	17		$	15				$	505		$	106
Schedule of derivative activity and amounts and locations of income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income	'
		(Loss) gain									Income (expense)
		recognized									and gain (loss)
		in other									reclassified
		comprehensive									into income
		(loss) income
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011		Income statement caption
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts—
	Designated as cash flow hedges	$	(77	)	$	(11	)	$	(2	)	$	—		$	24		$	18	Cost of products sold
	Not designated as hedges		n/a			n/a			n/a			81			(23	)		30	Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges		n/a			n/a			n/a			(351	)		(81	)		—	Interest expense (income), net
Summary of the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	'
					Basis of fair value measurement
	(in millions)	Balance at			Quoted prices			Significant			Significant
		December 31,			in active			other			unobservable
		2013			markets for			observable			Inputs
					identical			inputs			(Level 3)
					assets			(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets
	Cash and equivalents	$	9,595		$	684		$	8,911		$	—
	Time deposits		300			—			300			—
	Equity securities		10			10			—			—
	Foreign currency contracts		17			—			17			—
	Total assets	$	9,922		$	694		$	9,228		$	—
	Liabilities
	Interest rate hedges	$	432		$	—		$	432		$	—
	Foreign currency contracts		73			—			73			—
	Contingent consideration		165			—			—			165
	Total liabilities	$	670		$	—		$	505		$	165
					Basis of fair value measurement
	(in millions)	Balance at			Quoted prices			Significant			Significant
		December 31,			in active			other			unobservable
		2012			markets for			observable			Inputs
					identical			inputs			(Level 3)
					assets			(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets
	Cash and equivalents	$	5,901		$	675		$	5,226		$	—
	Time deposits		1,775			—			1,775			—
	U.S. Treasury securities		300			300			—			—
	Equity securities		12			12			—			—
	Foreign currency contracts		15			—			15			—
	Total assets	$	8,003		$	987		$	7,016		$	—
	Liabilities
	Interest rate hedges	$	81		$	—		$	81		$	—
	Foreign currency contracts		25			—			25			—
	Contingent consideration		251			—			—			251
	Total liabilities	$	357		$	—		$	106		$	251
Schedule of reconciliation of the fair value measurements that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), which consist of contingent payments related to acquisitions and investments	'
	(in millions)
	Fair value as of December 31, 2011		349
	Payments		(134	)
	Other		7
	Change in fair value recognized in earnings		29
	Fair value as of December 31, 2012		251
	Payments		(131	)
	Additions		28
	Change in fair value recognized in earnings		17
	Fair value as of December 31, 2013	$	165
Schedule of the carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments	'
		Book values						Approximate
								fair values
	(in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Assets
	Investments	$	108		$	107		$	129		$	104
	Liabilities
	Short-term borrowings		413			1,020			413			1,020
	Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations		18			22			18			22
	Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges		14,724			14,711			14,493			15,066
Schedule of fair value of financial instruments by fair value basis	'
					Basis of fair value measurement
	(in millions)	Fair value at			Quoted prices			Significant			Significant
		December 31,			in active			other			unobservable
		2013			markets for			observable			inputs
					identical			inputs			(Level 3)
					assets			(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets
	Investments	$	129		$	39		$	30		$	60
	Total assets	$	129		$	39		$	30		$	60
	Liabilities
	Short-term borrowings	$	413		$	—		$	413		$	—
	Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations		18			—			18			—
	Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges		14,493			14,413			80			—
	Total liabilities	$	14,924		$	14,413		$	511		$	—
					Basis of fair value measurement
	(in millions)	Fair value at			Quoted prices			Significant			Significant
		December 31,			in active			other			unobservable
		2012			markets for			observable			inputs
					identical			inputs			(Level 3)
					assets			(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets
	Investments	$	104		$	—		$	32		$	72
	Total assets	$	104		$	—		$	32		$	72
	Liabilities
	Short-term borrowings	$	1,020		$	—		$	1,020		$	—
	Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations		22			—			22			—
	Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges		15,066			—			15,066			—
	Total liabilities	$	16,108		$	—		$	16,108		$	—

PostEmployment_Benefits_Tables

Post-Employment Benefits (Tables) (AbbVie sponsored plans)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
AbbVie sponsored plans	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
Schedule of benefit plan information	'
		Defined						Other
		benefit plans						post-employment
								plans
	as of and for the years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Projected benefit obligations
	Beginning of period	$	1,669		$	649		$	231		$	—
	Service cost		184			21			23			—
	Interest cost		196			38			19			—
	Employee contributions		1			—			—			—
	Plan amendments		(1	)		—			—			—
	Assumption of plan liabilities		3,009			797			209			231
	Removal of plans		—			—			(12	)		—
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(455	)		182			(55	)		—
	Benefits paid		(146	)		(40	)		(12	)		—
	Other, primarily foreign currency translation loss		27			22			—			—
	End of period	$	4,484		$	1,669		$	403		$	231
	Fair value of plan assets
	Beginning of period	$	898		$	230		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		491			42			—			—
	Company contributions		198			46			12			—
	Employee contributions		1			—			—			—
	Assumption of plan assets		2,221			620			—			—
	Benefits paid		(146	)		(40	)		(12	)		—
	Other, primarily foreign currency translation gain		3			—			—			—
	End of period	$	3,666		$	898			—			—
	Funded status at December 31	$	(818	)	$	(771	)	$	(403	)	$	(231	)
	Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets
	Other assets	$	442		$	11		$	—		$	—
	Current liabilities		(27	)		(27	)		(8	)		(7	)
	Long-term liabilities		(1,233	)		(755	)		(395	)		(224	)
	Net liability at December 31	$	(818	)	$	(771	)	$	(403	)	$	(231	)
	Actuarial losses, net	$	1,194		$	526		$	74		$	69
	Prior service cost		22			10			(47	)		(1	)
	AOCI at December 31	$	1,216		$	536		$	27		$	68
Summary of pretax gains and losses included in OCI	'
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Defined benefit plans
	Actuarial (gain) loss	$	(715	)	$	98			19
	Prior service cost		15			9			—
	Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs		(114	)		(7	)		(2	)
	Foreign exchange loss		2			5			2
	Total pretax (gain) loss recognized in OCI	$	(812	)	$	105		$	19
	Other post-employment plans
	Actuarial (gain) loss	$	(42	)	$	69		$	—
	Prior service cost		(53	)		—			—
	Total pretax (gain) loss recognized in OCI	$	(95	)	$	69		$	—
Schedule of net periodic benefit cost	'
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Defined benefit plans
	Service cost	$	184		$	21		$	18
	Interest cost		196			38			32
	Expected return on plan assets		(259	)		(29	)		(21	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs		114			7			2
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	235		$	37		$	31
	Other post-employment plans
	Service cost	$	23			—			—
	Interest cost		19			—			—
	Amortization of actuarial gain and prior service costs		(1	)		—			—
	Net periodic OPEB cost	$	41		$	—		$	—
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used in determining benefit obligations at the measurement date	'
		2013			2012
	Defined benefit plans
	Discount rate		4.9	%		4	%
	Rate of compensation increases		5	%		3.9	%
	Other post-employment plans
	Discount rate		5.3	%		4.3	%
	Rate of compensation increases		6	%		3.5	%
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Defined benefit plans
	Discount rate		4.3	%		5.1	%		5	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		8.2	%		8.5	%		8.5	%
	Expected rate of change in compensation		5	%		4.2	%		4.1	%
	Other post-employment plans
	Discount rate		4.5	%		N/A			N/A
Schedule of effects of 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates	'
		One percentage
		point
	year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions)	Increase			Decrease
	Service cost and interest cost	$	8		$	(6	)
	Projected benefit obligation		71			(56	)
Schedule of defined benefit pension plan assets	'
					Basis of fair value measurement
	(in millions)	Balance at			Quoted prices in			Significant other			Significant
		December 31,			active markets for			observable			unobservable
		2013			identical assets			inputs			inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Equities
	U.S. large cap(a)	$	1,197		$	576		$	621		$	—
	U.S. mid cap(b)		244			62			182			—
	International(c)		614			225			389			—
	Fixed income securities
	U.S. government securities(d)		292			35			257			—
	Corporate debt instruments(e)		212			57			155			—
	Government Securities International		216			159			57			—
	Other		52			45			7			—
	Absolute return funds(f)		704			3			290			411
	Real assets		70			8			62			—
	Other(g)		65			62			3			—
	Fair value of plan assets	$	3,666		$	1,232		$	2,023		$	411
					Basis of fair value measurement
	(in millions)	Balance at			Quoted prices in			Significant other			Significant
		December 31,			active markets for			observable			unobservable
		2012			identical assets			inputs			inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Equities
	U.S. large cap(a)	$	232		$	232		$	—		$	—
	U.S. mid cap(b)		45			31			14			—
	International(c)		276			234			42			—
	Fixed income securities
	U.S. government securities(d)		73			24			49			—
	Corporate debt instruments(e)		109			93			16			—
	Government Securities International		26			26			—			—
	Other		2			1			1			—
	Absolute return funds(f)		90			22			37			31
	Real assets		18			9			7			2
	Other(g)		27			27			—			—
	Fair value of plan assets	$	898		$	699		$	166		$	33
	(a)
	A mix of pooled index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various large cap indices.
	(b)
	A mix of pooled index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various mid cap indices.
	(c)
	A mix of pooled index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various non-US equity indices in both developed and emerging markets.
	(d)
	Securities held by pooled index funds and mutual funds.
	(e)
	Securities held by actively managed accounts, pooled index funds, and mutual funds.
	(f)
	Funds having global mandates with the flexibility to allocate capital broadly across a wide range of asset classes and strategies, including but not limited to equities, fixed income, commodities, financial futures, currencies, and other securities, with objectives to outperform agreed upon benchmarks of specific return and volatility targets.
	(g)
	Investments in cash and cash equivalents.
Summary of change in the value of plan assets that are measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	'
	(in millions)	2013			2012
	Balance as of January 1	$	33		$	27
	Transfers in from other categories		—			—
	Actual return on plan assets on hand at year end		4			3
	Assumption of level 3 assets		372			—
	Purchases, sales and settlements, net		2			3
	Balance as of December 31	$	411		$	33
Schedule of expected pension and other post-employment payments	'
	(in millions)	Defined			Other
		benefit plans			post-employment
					plans
	2014	$	154		$	9
	2015		162			11
	2016		170			13
	2017		180			15
	2018		192			18
	2019 to 2023		1,164			129

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity	'
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used in estimating the fair value of stock options granted during each year, along with weighted-average grant-date fair values	'
	years ended December 31	2013			2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rate		1.1	%		1.2	%		2.7	%
	Average life of options (years)		6			6			6
	Volatility		32.63	%		21	%		21	%
	Dividend yield		4.3	%		3.6	%		4.1	%
	Fair value per stock option	$	6.87		$	6.8		$	6.23
Summary of AbbVie stock option activity for both AbbVie and Abbott employees	'
	(options in thousands, aggregate intrinsic	Options			Weighted-			Weighted-			Aggregate
	value in millions)				average			Average			intrinsic value
					exercise price			remaining
								life (in years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		—		$	—
	Options converted on January 1, 2013		47,718			27
	Granted		3,128			37.91
	Exercised		(14,620	)		28.14
	Lapsed		(232	)		28.21
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		35,994			27.48			3.6		$	912
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		32,564		$	27.04			3.1		$	840
Summary of AbbVie RSA and RSU activity for both AbbVie and Abbott employees	'
	(share units in thousands)	Share units			Weighted-average
					grant date fair value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		—		$	—
	Awards converted on January 1, 2013		15,394			27.55
	Granted		7,615			36.39
	Vested		(7,553	)		27.33
	Lapsed		(546	)		30.65
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		14,910		$	32.07
	Unvested shares at December 31, 2013		14,804		$	32.08
Summary of changes in balances of each component of AOCI	'
	(in millions) (brackets denote losses)	Foreign			Pension			Unrealized			Gains			Total
		currency			and post-			gains			(losses) on
		translation			employment			(losses) on			hedging
		adjustments			benefits			marketable			activities
								equity
								securities
	Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	303		$	(58	)	$	9		$	34		$	288
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(295	)		(8	)		17			(14	)	$	(300	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			1			—			(14	)	$	(13	)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		(295	)		(7	)		17			(28	)	$	(313	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	8		$	(65	)	$	26		$	6		$	(25	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		173			(157	)		(25	)		(9	)	$	(18	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			7			—			(18	)	$	(11	)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		173			(150	)		(25	)		(27	)	$	(29	)
	Separation-related adjustments		—			(296	)		—			—		$	(296	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	181		$	(511	)	$	1		$	(21	)	$	(350	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		48			519			1			(77	)	$	491
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			79			—			—		$	79
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		48			598			1			(77	)	$	570
	Separation-related adjustments		241			(914	)		—			11		$	(662	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	470		$	(827	)	$	2		$	(87	)	$	(442	)
Schedule of the significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI	'
	Years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Pension and post-employee benefits
	Amortization of actuarial losses and other	$	114		$	7		$	2
	Less tax expense		(35	)		(—	)		(1	)
	Total reclassification, net of tax	$	79		$	7		$	1

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
Schedule of earnings before income taxes	'
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	(581	)	$	625		$	626
	Foreign		5,913			5,100			3,042
	Total earnings before income taxes	$	5,332		$	5,725		$	3,668
Schedule of components of income taxes	'
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Current
	Domestic	$	226		$	94		$	177
	Foreign		354			252			390
	Total current taxes	$	580		$	346		$	567
	Deferred
	Domestic	$	678		$	89		$	(198	)
	Foreign		(54	)		15			(134	)
	Total deferred taxes		624			104			(332	)
	Total income taxes	$	1,204		$	450		$	235
Schedule of effective tax rate reconciliation	'
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Statutory tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Effect of foreign operations		(11.5	)		(23.5	)		(25.4	)
	Resolution of uncertain tax positions		—			(3.4	)		(11.2	)
	Non-deductible litigation loss		—			0.6			12.9
	Puerto Rico excise tax credit		(1.9	)		(1.2	)		(3.2	)
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		0.4			0.1			0.3
	All other, net		0.6			0.3			(2.0	)
	Effective tax rate		22.6	%		7.9	%		6.4	%
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	as of December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets
	Compensation and employee benefits	$	279		$	190
	Accruals and reserves		252			173
	Chargebacks and rebates		333			403
	Deferred revenue		348			283
	Depreciation		64			42
	State income taxes		67			87
	Other		122			274
	Net operating losses and other credit carryforwards		115			92
	Total deferred tax assets		1,580			1,544
	Valuation allowances		(43	)		(7	)
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	1,537		$	1,537
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets	$	(508	)	$	(500	)
	Repatriation of foreign earnings		(606	)		—
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(1,114	)	$	(500	)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	423		$	1,037
Schedule of unrecognized tax benefits	'
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013			2012			2011
	Balance as of January 1	$	1,140		$	1,039		$	1,645
	Increase due to current year tax positions		195			370			294
	Increase due to prior year tax positions		—			1			149
	Decrease due to current year tax positions		—			—			(15	)
	Decrease due to prior year tax positions		—			(220	)		(604	)
	Settlements		—			(50	)		(430	)
	Separation-related adjustments		(1,088	)		—			—
	Balance as of December 31	$	247		$	1,140		$	1,039

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In1

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'
Schedule of consolidated financial information by segment	'
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013		2012		2011
	HUMIRA	$	10,659	$	9,265	$	7,932
	AndroGel		1,035		1,152		874
	Kaletra		962		1,013		1,170
	Synagis		827		825		775
	Lupron		785		800		810
	Synthroid		622		551		522
	Sevoflurane		568		602		665
	Creon		412		353		332
	Duodopa		178		149		125
	Dyslipidemia products		1,076		2,145		2,504
	All other		1,666		1,525		1,735
	Net sales	$	18,790	$	18,380	$	17,444
Schedule of net sales to external customers, based on the country that sold the product	'
	years ended December 31 (in millions)	2013		2012		2011
	United States	$	10,181	$	10,435	$	9,712
	Germany		911		756		701
	The Netherlands		858		776		904
	Japan		625		718		616
	United Kingdom		606		552		496
	Spain		543		525		569
	France		540		500		516
	Canada		538		500		446
	Brazil		439		434		382
	Italy		404		408		428
	All other countries		3,145		2,776		2,674
	Net sales	$	18,790	$	18,380	$	17,444

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	'
Schedule of quarterly financial data (unaudited)	'
	(in millions except per share data)	2013		2012
	First Quarter
	Net sales	$	4,329	$	4,173
	Gross margin		3,176		3,017
	Net earnings		968		883
	Basic earnings per share		0.61		0.56
	Diluted earnings per share		0.6		0.56
	Cash dividends declared per common share(a)		0.8		—
	Second Quarter
	Net sales	$	4,692	$	4,493
	Gross margin		3,638		3,420
	Net earnings		1,068		1,267
	Basic earnings per share		0.67		0.8
	Diluted earnings per share		0.66		0.8
	Cash dividends declared per common share		0.4		—
	Third Quarter
	Net sales	$	4,658	$	4,508
	Gross margin		3,566		3,494
	Net earnings		964		1,585
	Basic earnings per share		0.6		1.01
	Diluted earnings per share		0.6		1.01
	Cash dividends declared per common share		0.4		—
	Fourth Quarter
	Net sales	$	5,111	$	5,206
	Gross margin		3,829		3,941
	Net earnings		1,128		1,540
	Basic earnings per share		0.7		0.98
	Diluted earnings per share		0.7		0.98
	Cash dividends declared per common share		0.4		—
	(a)
	On January 4, 2013, the board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per share of common stock. This dividend was declared from pre-separation earnings and was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. In addition, AbbVie declared regular quarterly cash dividends in 2013 aggregating $1.60 per share of common stock. Refer to Note 11 for information regarding cash dividends declared in 2013.

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen1

Background and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jan. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Jan. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

customer

Commercial paper

Commercial paper

Commercial paper

Minimum

Maximum

AbbVie common stock

Abbott

Abbott

Abbott

Abbott

Abbott

Abbott

Abbott

Transition services agreement

Transition services agreement

Separation agreement

Separation agreement

Separation agreement

Maximum

Background and Basis of Presentation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of wholesalers

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of outstanding common stock distributed to Abbott Laboratories' shareholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock distribution ratio

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Separation-related adjustments recorded in stockholders' equity

'

$1,271,000,000

$296,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term for which transition services may be provided

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'24 months

'

'

'

Term by which the agreement can be extended

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

Separation-related expenses

'

254,000,000

288,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operations and assets (net of liabilities) on which legal transfer of did not occur with the separation of the entity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

738,000,000

'

'

Trade accounts receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62,000,000

'

'

Inventories

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

190,000,000

'

'

Other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,000,000

'

'

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

212,000,000

'

'

Long-term debt

'

'

'

14,700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'30 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term borrowings

'

413,000,000

1,020,000,000

'

400,000,000

1,000,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts and other receivables, net

'

3,854,000,000

4,298,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

738,000,000

696,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

'

6,448,000,000

5,734,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

876,000,000

923,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Expenses allocated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$838,000,000

$801,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Advertising	'	'	'
Advertising expenses	$626	$506	$375
Pension and Post-Employment Benefits	'	'	'
Amortization period of differences between the expected long-term return on plan assets and the actual return	'5 years	'	'
AbbVie Sponsored Plans	'	'	'
Post-Employment Benefits	'	'	'
Defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans assets recognized	'	0	0
Defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans liabilities recognized	'	$0	$0

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable	'	'
Allowance for accounts receivable	$88	$83
Inventories	'	'
Finished goods	485	547
Work-in-process	404	286
Materials	261	258
Inventories, net	$1,150	$1,091

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property and Equipment	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$6,909	$6,542	'
Less accumulated depreciation	-4,611	-4,295	'
Property and equipment, net	2,298	2,247	'
Depreciation expense	388	525	508
Land	'	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	50	48	'
Buildings	'	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	1,263	1,324	'
Buildings | Minimum	'	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'10 years	'	'
Buildings | Maximum	'	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'50 years	'	'
Equipment	'	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	5,214	4,865	'
Equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years	'	'
Equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'20 years	'	'
Construction in progress	'	'	'
Property and Equipment	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$382	$305	'

Supplemental_Financial_Informa2

Supplemental Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Interest Expense (Income), net	'	'	'
Interest expense	$299	$104	'
Interest and dividend income	-21	-20	-20
Interest expense (income), net	278	84	-20
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	'	'	'
Sales rebates	1,401	1,616	'
Accounts payable	933	556	'
Due to Abbott Laboratories	876	923	'
Dividends payable	643	'	'
Salaries, wages and commissions	621	523	'
Royalty license arrangements	443	398	'
Other	1,531	1,718	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	6,448	5,734	'
Long-Term Liabilities	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	570	360	'
Pension and other post-employment benefits	1,628	979	'
Other	1,337	900	'
Long-term liabilities	3,535	2,239	'
Other (income) expense, net	'	'	'
Other (Income) Expense	'	'	'
Expenses related to fair value adjustments to the contingent consideration related to an acquisition of a business	11	29	56
Income from resolution of contractual agreement	'	21	'
Impairment of an equity security	'	$52	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per common share	'
Earnings allocable to participating securities (in dollars)	$26
Basic and diluted average shares outstanding	1,577,000,000
Number of equity awards outstanding prior to the separation	0
RSAs & RSUs	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per common share	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per common share (in shares)	5,000,000
Stock-based compensation plans	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per common share	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per common share (in shares)	1,000,000

Acquisitions_Collaborations_an1

Acquisitions, Collaborations and Other Arrangements (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-12

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Jun. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Ablynx NV

Galapagos NV

Galapagos NV

Galapagos NV

Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Other arrangements

Action Pharma A/S

Reata collaboration related to oral antioxidant inflammation modulators

Reata collaboration related to oral antioxidant inflammation modulators

Reata collaboration related to bardoxolone methyl

Reata collaboration related to bardoxolone methyl

Reata collaboration related to bardoxolone methyl

Biotest AG

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

IPR&D

Ablynx NV

Galapagos NV

Other arrangements

Biotest AG

Acquisitions, Collaborations and Other Arrangements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash outflows related to acquisitions, collaborations and other arrangements

$405

$688

$273

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collaborations and Other Arrangements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) charges

338

288

673

175

45

150

'

'

'

48

110

'

400

'

188

'

85

'

'

'

'

Payments for achievement of certain milestones under an agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300

275

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

665

360

894

395

Initial upfront payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

70

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to collaborators for joint development and commercialization of specified products

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity interest acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62

62

'

'

'

'

'

Research and development

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of an equity security

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$52

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Weighted average

Developed product rights

Developed product rights

Developed product rights

Developed product rights

Developed product rights

License agreements

License agreements

License agreements

License agreements

License agreements

Minimum

Maximum

Weighted average

Minimum

Maximum

Weighted average

Goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the beginning of the period

$6,130

$6,100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additions

25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Currency translation and other adjustments

122

30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the end of the period

6,277

6,130

6,100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated goodwill impairment losses

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Definite-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross carrying amount

5,738

5,668

'

'

4,744

4,699

'

'

'

994

969

'

'

'

Accumulated amortization

-4,295

-3,765

'

'

-3,503

-3,031

'

'

'

-792

-734

'

'

'

Net carrying amount

1,443

1,903

'

'

1,241

1,668

'

'

'

202

235

'

'

'

Useful life

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'3 years

'16 years

'9 years

'

'

'3 years

'16 years

'9 years

Indefinite-lived research and development

447

420

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net carrying amount - Indefinite-lived research and development

447

420

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intangible assets gross carrying amount

6,185

6,088

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated amortization - Total intangible assets

-4,295

-3,765

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intangible assets

1,890

2,323

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of intangible assets

509

625

764

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Anticipated annual amortization expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

352

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

279

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

137

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

131

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

115

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment charges

$0

$13

$46

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring_Plans_Details

Restructuring Plans (Details) (Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years	'	'	'
Restructuring reserve activity	'	'	'
Accrued balance beginning of the period	$233	$149	$157
Restructuring charges	76	191	163
Payments and other adjustments	-118	-107	-171
Accrued balance end of the period	191	233	149
Reversal of a previously recorded restructuring reserve due to the company's revaluation of a decision to exit a manufacturing facility	23	'	'
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges	'	69	'
Accelerated depreciation and asset impairments in restructuring charges	'	'	$53

Restructuring_Plans_Details_2

Restructuring Plans (Details 2) (Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Plans	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$76	$191	$163
Employee severance and contractual obligations	'	'	'
Restructuring Plans	'	'	'
Cash costs included in restructuring charges	76	'	'
Research and development	'	'	'
Restructuring Plans	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	183	72
Selling, general and administrative expense	'	'	'
Restructuring Plans	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	83	8	49
Cost of products sold	'	'	'
Restructuring Plans	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	$42

Debt_Credit_Facilities_and_Com2

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Abbott Laboratories

Floating rate notes due 2015

Floating rate notes due 2015

1.2% notes due 2015

1.2% notes due 2015

1.75% notes due 2017

1.75% notes due 2017

2.0% notes due 2018

2.0% notes due 2018

2.9% notes due 2022

2.9% notes due 2022

4.4% notes due 2042

4.4% notes due 2042

Other

Other

Senior notes

Senior notes

Abbott Laboratories

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value hedges

($432,000,000)

($81,000,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized bond discounts

-56,000,000

-71,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt and lease obligations

14,310,000,000

14,652,000,000

'

500,000,000

500,000,000

3,500,000,000

3,500,000,000

4,000,000,000

4,000,000,000

1,000,000,000

1,000,000,000

3,100,000,000

3,100,000,000

2,600,000,000

2,600,000,000

98,000,000

104,000,000

'

'

Current portion

18,000,000

22,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncurrent portion

14,292,000,000

14,630,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate percentage

'

'

'

'

'

1.20%

'

1.75%

'

2.00%

'

2.90%

'

4.40%

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average effective interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

1.14%

1.13%

1.31%

1.24%

1.86%

1.82%

2.15%

2.12%

2.97%

3.01%

4.46%

4.50%

'

'

'

'

Notes issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,700,000,000

3,000,000,000

Notes issued

'

'

$10,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Credit_Facilities_and_Com3

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
			Commercial paper	Commercial paper	Commercial paper	Unsecured bank credit facility
Short-Term Borrowings	'	'	'	'	'	'
Lease expense	$107,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Short-Term Borrowings	'	'	'	'	'	'
Short-term borrowings	413,000,000	1,020,000,000	400,000,000	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000	'
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	'	'	0.20%	0.40%	'	'
Borrowing capacity	'	'	'	'	'	2,000,000,000
Operating leases	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	87,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
2015	79,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
2016	71,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
2017	62,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
2018	46,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Thereafter	530,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total obligations and commitments	875,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Debt maturities and capital leases	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	18,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
2015	4,012,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
2016	11,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
2017	4,008,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
2018	1,006,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Thereafter	5,743,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total obligations and commitments	14,798,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value hedges and unamortized bond discounts	-488,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total long-term debt and lease obligations	$14,310,000,000	$14,652,000,000	'	'	'	'

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures	'	'
Number of outstanding derivative instruments containing credit risk contingent features	0	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Derivatives in asset position	$17,000,000	$15,000,000
Derivatives in liability position	505,000,000	106,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate contracts | Fair value hedges	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Notional amount of derivative instruments	8,000,000,000	8,000,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate contracts | Fair value hedges | Long-term liabilities	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Derivatives in liability position	432,000,000	81,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses and other	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Derivatives in asset position	'	1,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Derivatives in liability position	61,000,000	10,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Notional amount of derivative instruments	1,500,000,000	1,000,000,000
Approximate length of time over which accumulated gains and losses will be recognized in Cost of products sold	'12 months	'
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Notional amount of derivative instruments	5,300,000,000	4,300,000,000
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses and other	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Derivatives in asset position	17,000,000	14,000,000
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Derivatives in liability position	$12,000,000	$15,000,000

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair3

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Interest rate contracts | Fair value hedges | Interest expense (income), net	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'	'	'
Income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income	($351)	($81)	'
Gain (loss) on underlying hedged item	351	81	'
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Not designated as hedging instrument | Net foreign exchange loss (gain)	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'	'	'
Income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income	81	-23	30
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges | Cost of products sold	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'	'	'
(Loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	-77	-11	-2
Income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income	'	$24	$18

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair4

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities	'	'
Cumulative unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale equity securities	$2	$1
Fair value	'	'
Assets	'	'
Short term investments	129	104
Total assets	129	104
Liabilities	'	'
Total liabilities	14,924	16,108
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)	'	'
Assets	'	'
Short term investments	39	'
Total assets	39	'
Liabilities	'	'
Total liabilities	14,413	'
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Assets	'	'
Short term investments	30	32
Total assets	30	32
Liabilities	'	'
Total liabilities	511	16,108
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Assets	'	'
Short term investments	60	72
Total assets	60	72
Recurring | Fair value	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash and equivalents	9,595	5,901
Equity securities	10	12
Foreign currency contracts	17	15
Total assets	9,922	8,003
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate hedges	432	81
Foreign currency hedges	73	25
Contingent consideration	165	251
Total liabilities	670	357
Recurring | Fair value | Time deposits	'	'
Assets	'	'
Short term investments	300	1,775
Recurring | Fair value | U.S. Treasury securities	'	'
Assets	'	'
Short term investments	'	300
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash and equivalents	684	675
Equity securities	10	12
Total assets	694	987
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | U.S. Treasury securities	'	'
Assets	'	'
Short term investments	'	300
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash and equivalents	8,911	5,226
Foreign currency contracts	17	15
Total assets	9,228	7,016
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate hedges	432	81
Foreign currency hedges	73	25
Total liabilities	505	106
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Time deposits	'	'
Assets	'	'
Short term investments	300	1,775
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Contingent consideration	165	251
Total liabilities	$165	$251

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair5

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of the fair value measurements that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Fair value at the beginning of the period	'	$251	$349
Payments	'	-131	-134
Other	'	'	7
Additions	28	28	'
Change in fair value recognized in earnings	'	17	29
Fair value at the end of the period	'	165	251
Transfers of assets or liabilities between the fair value measurement levels	'	'	'
Transfer of assets from level 1 to level 2	'	0	'
Transfer of assets from level 2 to level 1	'	0	'
Transfer of liabilities from level 1 to level 2	'	0	'
Transfer of liabilities from level 2 to level 1	'	$0	'

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair6

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Book values	'	'
Assets	'	'
Investments	$108	$107
Liabilities	'	'
Short-term borrowings	413	1,020
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	18	22
Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	14,724	14,711
Approximate fair values	'	'
Assets	'	'
Investments	129	104
Liabilities	'	'
Short-term borrowings	413	1,020
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	18	22
Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	$14,493	$15,066

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair7

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures (Details 6) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair value	'	'
Assets	'	'
Investments	$129	$104
Total assets	129	104
Liabilities	'	'
Short-term borrowings	413	1,020
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	18	22
Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	14,493	15,066
Total liabilities	14,924	16,108
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)	'	'
Assets	'	'
Investments	39	'
Total assets	39	'
Liabilities	'	'
Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	14,413	'
Total liabilities	14,413	'
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Assets	'	'
Investments	30	32
Total assets	30	32
Liabilities	'	'
Short-term borrowings	413	1,020
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	18	22
Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	80	15,066
Total liabilities	511	16,108
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Assets	'	'
Investments	60	72
Total assets	$60	$72

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair8

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures (Details 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Concentration of Risk	'	'	'
Number of principal customers	3	'	'
Governmental accounts in Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain	'	'	'
Concentration of Risk	'	'	'
Net governmental receivables outstanding	781	725	'
Net accounts receivables	'	'	'
Concentration of Risk	'	'	'
Number of principal customers	3	'	'
Net accounts receivables | U.S. wholesalers	'	'	'
Concentration of Risk	'	'	'
Concentrations risk (as a percent)	38.00%	48.00%	'
Total sales | HUMIRA	'	'	'
Concentration of Risk	'	'	'
Concentrations risk (as a percent)	57.00%	50.00%	45.00%

PostEmployment_Benefits_Detail

Post-Employment Benefits (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Pre-65

Post-65

Abbott Sponsored Plans

Abbott Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

AbbVie Sponsored Plans

Subsequent event

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

Other post-employment plans

Other post-employment plans

International defined benefit pension plans

International defined benefit pension plans

Plan in which the ABO exceeded plan assets

Post-Employment Benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans assets recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

'

'

$442,000,000

$11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined benefit pension and other post-employment plans liabilities recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expenses for defined benefit plans and post-employment plans

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contribution by employer

'

'

'

'

310,000,000

289,000,000

145,000,000

46,000,000

64,000,000

'

370,000,000

198,000,000

46,000,000

'

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

Funded status of plan (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

94.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated benefit obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000,000

'

3,900,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,800,000,000

Projected benefit obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,669,000,000

649,000,000

'

231,000,000

'

'

'

2,400,000,000

Service cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

184,000,000

21,000,000

18,000,000

23,000,000

'

'

'

'

Interest cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

196,000,000

38,000,000

32,000,000

19,000,000

'

'

'

'

Employee contributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plan amendments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assumption of plan liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,009,000,000

797,000,000

'

209,000,000

231,000,000

'

'

'

Removal of plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-12,000,000

'

'

'

'

Actuarial (gain) loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-455,000,000

182,000,000

'

-55,000,000

'

'

'

'

Benefits paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-146,000,000

-40,000,000

'

-12,000,000

'

'

'

'

Other, primarily foreign currency translation loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,000,000

22,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

End of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,484,000,000

1,669,000,000

649,000,000

403,000,000

231,000,000

'

'

2,400,000,000

Fair value of plan assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning of period

898,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

33,000,000

27,000,000

'

411,000,000

'

898,000,000

230,000,000

'

'

'

1,200,000,000

1,100,000,000

1,100,000,000

Actual return on plan assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

491,000,000

42,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Company contributions

'

'

'

'

310,000,000

289,000,000

145,000,000

46,000,000

64,000,000

'

370,000,000

198,000,000

46,000,000

'

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

Employee contributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assumption of plan assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,221,000,000

620,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Benefits paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-146,000,000

-40,000,000

'

-12,000,000

'

'

'

'

Other, primarily foreign currency translation gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

End of period

3,666,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

33,000,000

27,000,000

411,000,000

'

3,666,000,000

898,000,000

230,000,000

'

'

1,200,000,000

1,100,000,000

1,100,000,000

Funded status at the end of the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-818,000,000

-771,000,000

'

-403,000,000

-231,000,000

'

'

'

Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

442,000,000

11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-27,000,000

-27,000,000

'

-8,000,000

-7,000,000

'

'

'

Long-term liabilities

-1,628,000,000

-979,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,233,000,000

-755,000,000

'

-395,000,000

-224,000,000

'

'

'

Net liability at the end of the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-818,000,000

-771,000,000

'

-403,000,000

-231,000,000

'

'

'

Actuarial losses, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,194,000,000

526,000,000

'

74,000,000

69,000,000

'

'

'

Prior service cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,000,000

10,000,000

'

-47,000,000

-1,000,000

'

'

'

AOCI at the end of the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,216,000,000

536,000,000

'

27,000,000

68,000,000

'

'

'

Pretax losses included in OCI

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Actuarial (gain) loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-715,000,000

98,000,000

19,000,000

-42,000,000

69,000,000

'

'

'

Prior service cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

9,000,000

'

-53,000,000

'

'

'

'

Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-114,000,000

-7,000,000

-2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign exchange loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

5,000,000

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total pretax (gain) loss recognized in OCI

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-812,000,000

105,000,000

19,000,000

-95,000,000

69,000,000

'

'

'

Expected net periodic benefit cost of 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

69,000,000

'

'

-4,000,000

'

'

'

'

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Service cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

184,000,000

21,000,000

18,000,000

23,000,000

'

'

'

'

Interest cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

196,000,000

38,000,000

32,000,000

19,000,000

'

'

'

'

Expected return on plan assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-259,000,000

-29,000,000

-21,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

114,000,000

7,000,000

2,000,000

-1,000,000

'

'

'

'

Net periodic benefit cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

235,000,000

37,000,000

31,000,000

41,000,000

'

'

'

'

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations at the Measurement Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.90%

4.00%

'

5.30%

4.30%

'

'

'

Rate of compensation increases (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

3.90%

'

6.00%

3.50%

'

'

'

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Net Periodic Benefit Cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.30%

5.10%

5.00%

4.50%

'

'

'

'

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.20%

8.50%

8.50%

'

'

'

'

'

Expected rate of change in compensation (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

4.20%

4.10%

'

'

'

'

'

Annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care obligation benefits assumed in the current year (as a percent)

'

'

7.90%

7.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care cost benefits assumed in the current year (as a percent)

'

'

7.90%

7.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ultimate per capita trend rate for health care costs from 2051 and thereafter (as a percent)

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of one percentage point increase, Service cost and interest cost

8,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of one percentage point decrease, Service cost and interest cost

-6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of one percentage point increase, Projected benefit obligation

71,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of one percentage point decrease, Projected benefit obligation

($56,000,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

PostEmployment_Benefits_Detail1

Post-Employment Benefits (Details 2) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets

U.S. large cap

U.S. large cap

U.S. mid cap

U.S. mid cap

International

International

U.S. government securities

U.S. government securities

Corporate debt instruments

Corporate debt instruments

Government Securities International

Government Securities International

Other

Other

Absolute return funds

Absolute return funds

Real assets

Real assets

Other

Other

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

AbbVie sponsored plans

AbbVie sponsored plans

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans

Other post-employment plans

Investment risk

U.S. large cap

U.S. large cap

U.S. mid cap

U.S. mid cap

International

International

U.S. government securities

U.S. government securities

Corporate debt instruments

Corporate debt instruments

Government Securities International

Government Securities International

Other

Other

Absolute return funds

Absolute return funds

Real assets

Real assets

Other

Other

U.S. large cap

U.S. mid cap

U.S. mid cap

International

International

U.S. government securities

U.S. government securities

Corporate debt instruments

Corporate debt instruments

Government Securities International

Other

Other

Absolute return funds

Absolute return funds

Real assets

Real assets

Other

Absolute return funds

Absolute return funds

Real assets

AbbVie sponsored plans

AbbVie sponsored plans

AbbVie sponsored plans

AbbVie sponsored plans

AbbVie sponsored plans

AbbVie sponsored plans

Equity Securities

Fixed income securities

Other

Change in value of assets that are measured using significant unobservable inputs

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Beginning of period

$3,666

$898

'

$1,197

$232

$244

$45

$614

$276

$292

$73

$212

$109

$216

$26

$52

$2

$704

$90

$70

$18

$65

$27

$1,232

$699

$576

$232

$62

$31

$225

$234

$35

$24

$57

$93

$159

$26

$45

$1

$3

$22

$8

$9

$62

$27

$2,023

$166

$621

$182

$14

$389

$42

$257

$49

$155

$16

$57

$7

$1

$290

$37

$62

$7

$3

$411

$33

$411

$31

$2

$33

$27

'

$3,666

$898

$230

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Actual return on plan assets on hand at year end

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4

3

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Assumption of level 3 assets

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372

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Purchases, sales and settlements, net

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2

3

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End of period

3,666

898

'

1,197

232

244

45

614

276

292

73

212

109

216

26

52

2

704

90

70

18

65

27

1,232

699

576

232

62

31

225

234

35

24

57

93

159

26

45

1

3

22

8

9

62

27

2,023

166

621

182

14

389

42

257

49

155

16

57

7

1

290

37

62

7

3

411

33

411

31

2

411

33

'

3,666

898

230

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Target investment allocations for Pension Plan (as a percent)

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50.00%

20.00%

30.00%

'

Concentrations risk (as a percent)

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0.00%

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Expected Pension and Other Post-Employment Payments

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2014

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154

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9

2015

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162

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11

2016

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170

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13

2017

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180

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15

2018

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192

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18

2019 to 2023

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$1,164

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$129

PostEmployment_Benefits_Detail2

Post-Employment Benefits (Details 3) (Stock Retirement Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Retirement Plan	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'
Expenses recorded	$62	$67	$68

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
		item
Stock-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Stock compensation expense recognized	'	$212	$187	$163
Tax benefit on stock compensation expense	'	68	56	48
Realized excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options	'	38	'	'
Incentive stock programs, shares reserved for issuance with respect to post-separation awards for participants	'	100,000,000	'	'
Abbott	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Number of awards received in connection with the separation	1	'	'	'
Number of awards granted to employees other than in connection with the separation	'	0	'	'
Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit on stock compensation expense	'	21	'	'
Exercise price for awards granted as percentage of market value on the date of grant	'	100.00%	'	'
Contractual term	'	'10 years	'	'
Incremental vesting	'	0.33	'	'
Vesting period	'	'3 years	'	'
Exercise period of replacement option after the date of grant	'	'6 months	'	'
Assumptions on which the expense related to stock options granted is based	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	'	1.10%	1.20%	2.70%
Average life of options	'	'6 years	'6 years	'6 years
Volatility (as a percent)	'	32.63%	21.00%	21.00%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	'	4.30%	3.60%	4.10%
Fair value per stock option (in dollars per share)	'	$6.87	$6.80	$6.23
Options	'	'	'	'
Options converted (in shares)	47,718,000	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	3,128,000	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	'	-14,620,000	'	'
Lapsed (in shares)	'	-232,000	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	'	35,994,000	'	'
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	'	32,564,000	'	'
Weighted average exercise price	'	'	'	'
Options converted (in dollars per share)	$27	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	$37.91	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	'	$28.14	'	'
Lapsed (in dollars per share)	'	$28.21	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	'	$27.48	'	'
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	'	$27.04	'	'
Weighted-Average remaining life (in years)	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period	'	'3 years 7 months 6 days	'	'
Exercisable at end of the period	'	'3 years 1 month 6 days	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period	'	912	'	'
Exercisable at the end of the period	'	840	'	'
Additional information	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	'	2	'	'
Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	'	'2 years	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	'	229	'	'
Total fair value of options vested	'	17	'	'
Stock Options | Abbott	'	'	'	'
Additional information	'	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	'	'	170	31
RSAs & RSUs	'	'	'	'
Additional information	'	'	'	'
Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	'	'2 years	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$56.07	$46.85
Additional information	'	'	'	'
Fair market value of awards vested	'	285	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	'	177	'	'
RSAs & RSUs | Abbott	'	'	'	'
Additional information	'	'	'	'
Fair market value of awards vested	'	'	123	74
Restricted stock awards	'	'	'	'
RSAs & RSUs	'	'	'	'
Number of years in which maximum one third of awards will vest out of awards that vest over five years	'	'1 year	'	'
Restricted stock awards | Minimum	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'3 years	'	'
Restricted stock awards | Maximum	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'5 years	'	'
RSAs & RSUs	'	'	'	'
Proportion of awards that will vest in one year out of awards having vesting term over five years	'	0.33	'	'
RSUs	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'3 years	'	'
RSAs & RSUs	'	'	'	'
Number of shares of common stock to be received by recipient upon vesting for each award vested	'	1	'	'
Share units	'	'	'	'
Awards converted (in shares)	15,394,000	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	7,615,000	'	'
Vested (in shares)	'	-7,553,000	'	'
Lapsed (in shares)	'	-546,000	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	'	14,910,000	'	'
Unvested shares at the end of the period (in shares)	'	14,804,000	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	'	'
Awards converted (in dollars per share)	$27.55	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	$36.39	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	'	$27.33	'	'
Lapsed (in dollars per share)	'	$30.65	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	'	$32.07	'	'
Unvested shares at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	'	$32.08	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Stock compensation expense recognized	'	134	'	'
Research and development	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Stock compensation expense recognized	'	58	'	'
Cost of products sold	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Stock compensation expense recognized	'	$20	'	'

Equity_Details_2

Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 15, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Repurchase Program	'	'	'	'
Amount authorized under stock repurchase program	$1,500,000,000	'	'	'
Shares repurchased	'	4	'	'
Payment for shares repurchased on the open market	'	223,000,000	'	'
Share repurchase authorization amount remaining	'	1,300,000,000	'	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	-350,000,000	-25,000,000	288,000,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	491,000,000	-18,000,000	-300,000,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	79,000,000	-11,000,000	-13,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	570,000,000	-29,000,000	-313,000,000
Separation-related adjustments	'	-662,000,000	-296,000,000	'
Ending balance	'	-442,000,000	-350,000,000	-25,000,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'	'	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	181,000,000	8,000,000	303,000,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	48,000,000	173,000,000	-295,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	48,000,000	173,000,000	-295,000,000
Separation-related adjustments	'	241,000,000	'	'
Ending balance	'	470,000,000	181,000,000	8,000,000
Pension and post-employment benefits	'	'	'	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	-511,000,000	-65,000,000	-58,000,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	519,000,000	-157,000,000	-8,000,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	79,000,000	7,000,000	1,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	598,000,000	-150,000,000	-7,000,000
Separation-related adjustments	'	-914,000,000	-296,000,000	'
Ending balance	'	-827,000,000	-511,000,000	-65,000,000
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities	'	'	'	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	1,000,000	26,000,000	9,000,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	1,000,000	-25,000,000	17,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	1,000,000	-25,000,000	17,000,000
Ending balance	'	2,000,000	1,000,000	26,000,000
Gains (losses) on hedging activities	'	'	'	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	-21,000,000	6,000,000	34,000,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	-77,000,000	-9,000,000	-14,000,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'	-18,000,000	-14,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	-77,000,000	-27,000,000	-28,000,000
Separation-related adjustments	'	11,000,000	'	'
Ending balance	'	($87,000,000)	($21,000,000)	$6,000,000

Equity_Details_3

Equity (Details 3) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jan. 04, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.80	$2	[1]
Pre-separation earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date declared	'	'	'	'	'	4-Jan-13
Date paid	'	'	'	'	'	15-Feb-13
Cash Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
Dividends paid (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
Quarer One	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date declared	'	'	'	'	'	15-Feb-13
Date paid	'	'	'	'	'	15-May-13
Cash Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
Dividends paid (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
Quarter Two	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date declared	'	'	'	'	'	20-Jun-13
Date paid	'	'	'	'	'	15-Aug-13
Cash Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
Dividends paid (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
Quarter Three	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date declared	'	'	'	'	'	19-Sep-13
Date paid	'	'	'	'	'	15-Nov-13
Cash Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
Dividends paid (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
Quarter Four	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date declared	'	'	'	'	'	12-Dec-13
Date of record	'	'	'	'	'	15-Jan-14
Date paid	'	'	'	'	'	14-Feb-14
Cash Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
Dividends paid (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.40
[1]	On January 4, 2013, the board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per share of common stock. This dividend was declared from pre-separation earnings and was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. In addition, AbbVie declared regular quarterly cash dividends in 2013 aggregating $1.60 per share of common stock. Refer to Note 11 for information regarding cash dividends declared in 2013.

Equity_Details_4

Equity (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI	'	'	'
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	'	'
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	'	'
Preferred stock issued (in shares)	0	'	'
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares)	0	'	'
Pension and post-employment benefits | Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	'
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI	'	'	'
Amortization of actuarial losses and other	$114	$7	$2
Less tax expense	-35	'	-1
Net earnings	$79	$7	$1

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Before Income Taxes	'	'	'
Domestic	($581)	$625	$626
Foreign	5,913	5,100	3,042
Total earnings before income taxes	5,332	5,725	3,668
Current	'	'	'
Domestic	226	94	177
Foreign	354	252	390
Total current taxes	580	346	567
Deferred	'	'	'
Domestic	678	89	-198
Foreign	-54	15	-134
Total deferred taxes	624	104	-332
Total income taxes	1,204	450	235
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation	'	'	'
Statutory tax rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effect of foreign operations (as a percent)	-11.50%	-23.50%	-25.40%
Resolution of uncertain tax positions (as a percent)	'	-3.40%	-11.20%
Non-deductible litigation loss (as a percent)	'	0.60%	12.90%
Puerto Rico excise tax credit (as a percent)	-1.90%	-1.20%	-3.20%
State taxes, net of federal benefit (as a percent)	0.40%	0.10%	0.30%
All other, net (as a percent)	0.60%	0.30%	-2.00%
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	22.60%	7.90%	6.40%
Tax benefits recognized as a result of favorable resolution of various tax positions	'	195	410
Deferred tax assets	'	'	'
Compensation and employee benefits	279	190	'
Accruals and reserves	252	173	'
Chargebacks and rebates	333	403	'
Deferred revenue	348	283	'
Depreciation	64	42	'
State income taxes	67	87	'
Other	122	274	'
Net operating losses and other credit carryforwards	115	92	'
Total deferred tax assets	1,580	1,544	'
Valuation allowances	-43	-7	'
Total net deferred tax assets	1,537	1,537	'
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'	'
Excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets	-508	-500	'
Repatriation of foreign earnings	-606	'	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	-1,114	-500	'
Net deferred tax asset	423	1,037	'
Reclassifying prepaid taxes from current deferred income taxes to prepaid expenses and other	$777	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income taxes	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	$585	$419
Valuation allowances	43	7
Foreign	'	'
Income taxes	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	$95	$114

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (State, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
State	'
Tax credit carryforwards	'
Tax credit carryforwards	$53

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes	'	'	'
Undistributed foreign earnings, indefinitely reinvested for continued use in foreign operations	$21,000,000,000	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,140,000,000	1,039,000,000	1,645,000,000
Increase due to current year tax positions	195,000,000	370,000,000	294,000,000
Increase due to prior year tax positions	'	1,000,000	149,000,000
Decrease due to current year tax positions	'	'	-15,000,000
Decrease due to prior year tax positions	'	-220,000,000	-604,000,000
Settlements	'	-50,000,000	-430,000,000
Separation-related adjustments	-1,088,000,000	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	247,000,000	1,140,000,000	1,039,000,000
Liability for uncertain tax positions	'	0	0
Reimbursement receivable for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties for periods after separation	41,000,000	'	'
Net amount of potential tax benefits that would impact the entity's effective tax rate	218,000,000	'	'
Reasonably possible amount that gross unrecognized tax benefits may change within the next twelve months, high end of range	$22,000,000	'	'

Legal_Proceedings_and_Continge1

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-12	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2009
	item	Depakote	Depakote	Depakote	Depakote	Depakote	HUMIRA patent infringement claim, NYU and Centocor	Allegation of proposed generic products infringing AbbVie's patents and seeking declaratory and injunctive relief
		usstates				Sidney Hillman Health Center of Rochester, et al. v. AbbVie Inc., et al.	AndroGel Antitrust Litigation	Matrix Laboratories, Inc.'s, Matrix Laboratories, Ltd.'s, and Mylan, Inc.'s case
						item	item
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Charges recorded related to Depakote during the period	'	'	$100,000,000	$1,500,000,000	'	'	'	'
Number of states with whom Medicaid-related claims were resolved	'	49	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of states with whom consumer protection claims were resolved	'	45	'	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement amount paid	'	'	'	'	$1,600,000,000	'	'	'
Number of cases pending	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of healthcare benefit providers who filed lawsuits	'	'	'	'	'	3	'	'
Number of generic companies with whom certain litigation related agreements were entered into	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'
Number of individual plaintiff lawsuits	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'
Number of purported class actions	'	'	'	'	'	'	7	'
Stay period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In2

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
									segment
									customer
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Operating Segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Number of principal customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$5,111	$4,658	$4,692	$4,329	$5,206	$4,508	$4,493	$4,173	$18,790	$18,380	$17,444
HUMIRA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,659	9,265	7,932
AndroGel	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,035	1,152	874
Kaletra	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	962	1,013	1,170
Synagis	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	827	825	775
Lupron	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	785	800	810
Synthroid	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	622	551	522
Sevoflurane	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	568	602	665
Creon	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	412	353	332
Duodopa	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	178	149	125
Dyslipidemia products	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,076	2,145	2,504
All other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment and Geographic Area Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,666	$1,525	$1,735

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In3

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$5,111	$4,658	$4,692	$4,329	$5,206	$4,508	$4,493	$4,173	$18,790	$18,380	$17,444
Long-lived assets	2,300	'	'	'	2,200	'	'	'	2,300	2,200	'
United States	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,181	10,435	9,712
Germany	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	911	756	701
The Netherlands	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	858	776	904
Japan	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	625	718	616
United Kingdom	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	606	552	496
Spain	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	543	525	569
France	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	540	500	516
Canada	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	538	500	446
Brazil	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	439	434	382
Italy	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	404	408	428
All other countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,145	2,776	2,674
United States and Puerto Rico	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	1,600	'	'	'	1,600	'	'	'	1,600	1,600	'
Europe	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure based on the country that sold the product	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	$591	'	'	'	$536	'	'	'	$591	$536	'

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 04, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'	'
Net sales	'	$5,111	$4,658	$4,692	$4,329	$5,206	$4,508	$4,493	$4,173	$18,790		$18,380	$17,444
Gross margin	'	3,829	3,566	3,638	3,176	3,941	3,494	3,420	3,017	'		'	'
Net earnings	'	$1,128	$964	$1,068	$968	$1,540	$1,585	$1,267	$883	$4,128		$5,275	$3,433
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	'	$0.70	$0.60	$0.67	$0.61	$0.98	$1.01	$0.80	$0.56	$2.58		$3.35	$2.18
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	'	$0.70	$0.60	$0.66	$0.60	$0.98	$1.01	$0.80	$0.56	$2.56		$3.35	$2.18
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.40	$0.80	'	'	'	'	$2	[1]	'	'
Regular quarterly cash dividends	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1.60		'	'
[1]	On January 4, 2013, the board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per share of common stock. This dividend was declared from pre-separation earnings and was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. In addition, AbbVie declared regular quarterly cash dividends in 2013 aggregating $1.60 per share of common stock. Refer to Note 11 for information regarding cash dividends declared in 2013.